Tractor not warming up

[One Acre Farm]

Did some semi heavy work today w my new to me tractor and noticed again that it won't get out of the yellow in the engine temp gauge, had the tractor running at least an hour at around 1500rpm(540 pto is right around 2100rpm) I know the gauge works, cause when I start her up, she's well below. Any ideas?

 

[ayelvington]

Checking the thermostat comes to mind.

Where does the temp indicator usually settle when you're working?

Also, how cold was it when you were working?

 

[Usta]

I would also say thermostat. To be more precise, the thermostat is stuck in the open position.
My belief is the cooler an engine can run the better for the engine.
The thermostat (as in a car) keeps the engine hot enough for the heater core to work for human comfort.

Hmmm why does my tractor have a thermostat?

 

[SPYDERLK]

I would also say thermostat. To be more precise, the thermostat is stuck in the open position.
My belief is the cooler an engine can run the better for the engine.
The thermostat (as in a car) keeps the engine hot enough for the heater core to work for human comfort.

Hmmm why does my tractor have a thermostat?

Some will object to that -- with good reason. ... All with good reason will object to that.
larry

 

[Don87]

Some will object to that -- with good reason. ... All with good reason will object to that.
larry

I concur.

 

[gerard]

I would also say thermostat. To be more precise, the thermostat is stuck in the open position.
My belief is the cooler an engine can run the better for the engine.
The thermostat (as in a car) keeps the engine hot enough for the heater core to work for human comfort.

Hmmm why does my tractor have a thermostat?

Not sure if I totally agree with that for the reason you already stated. Engines are designed to run at an "optimum" temperature for maximum efficiency, combustion, and power, especially diesels since the combustion takes place spontaneously from pressure and temperature. If your theory was true, a diesel tractor would not NEED a thermostat. Since they do I assume there's a reason they do.

To the OP - Pull the thermostat, put in a pot of water on the stove, turn heat on and use a thermometer to monitor the temp. At room temp it should be closed. As it approaches higher temps (probably 160-180F), it should start opening. If it's stuck open when you remove it and the engines is cool, it needs replacement and you don't even have to test it.

 

[Egon]

What kind of tractor?

 

[Usta]

Some will object to that -- with good reason. ... All with good reason will object to that.
larry

Luckily I am getting usta objections from this place.

 

[leonz]

Did some semi heavy work today w my new to me tractor and noticed again that it won't get out of the yellow in the engine temp gauge, had the tractor running at least an hour at around 1500rpm(540 pto is right around 2100rpm) I know the gauge works, cause when I start her up, she's well below. Any ideas?

1.The Pumps vanes could be worn to the point that the water is simply churning and not circulating and as result the engine heat is not being pumped through the radiator and returned?

2. the belt that rotates the water pump is loose?


3. the thermocouple sensor for the engine is shot and needs to be changed.

 

[Transit]

Did some semi heavy work today w my new to me tractor and noticed again that it won't get out of the yellow in the engine temp gauge, had the tractor running at least an hour at around 1500rpm(540 pto is right around 2100rpm) I know the gauge works, cause when I start her up, she's well below. Any ideas?

At 1500 rpm the engine is lofting. At very cold temps the engine will lose heat to the air from the engine block. If all checks out you may need to block the radiator to get the coolant temp to the 180-185 range.