Mahindra 3510. Overheating

[brow1033]

I have been reading all the posts since I ran across this site. I am at wits ends with my overheating problem. Seems like I can't seem to clean the radiator and screen enough to keep from overheating. It is no fun knowing I can't work for an extended period of time. Any help is appreciated...

[George2615]

It may help if we knew what you are doing that causes the radiator and screen to plug up so quickly.

I assume you have checked the antifreeze fluid level in the radiator.

Have you tested or replaced the thermostat. It could be getting stuck partially open.

How old is the tractor and if over a couple years have the radiator and motor ever been flushed out and antifreeze replaced.

Providing nothing is wrong with the motor, overheating is usually caused by an improperly working thermostat, low fluid level in radiator, blockage or restriction in cooling circuit internally or blockage of the radiator fins not getting adequate air flow. I suspect the thermostat.

[DK35vince]

Originally Posted by George2615

Providing nothing is wrong with the motor, overheating is usually caused by an improperly working thermostat, low fluid level in radiator, blockage or restriction in cooling circuit internally or blockage of the radiator fins not getting adequate air flow.

Also check for a loose or faulty/slipping fan belt.
Sometimes blowing a radiator out can push debris back into the radiator fins eventually blocking the airflow.
A few things to check for.

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

I have seen some tractors that had so much debris in the radaitor fins that cleaning in the tractor was an impossibility. Taking the radiator out of the tractor and pressure washing it was the only cure. I don't know what your history as far as cleaning methods and intervals has been, but like I said, I have seen them so plugged up with fine debris in the fins that you couldn't see it or clean it in the tractor. Just a thought.

[DmansPadge]

If it is just the radiator clogged up then it needs a good cleaning. I personally wouldn't recommend pressure washing because it is easy to flatten out the cooling fins and cause even more problems. Cleaning it from the engine side out is best since most of the debris will be on the front of it. They do make products to help "draw" stuff out of it.

[Nightrain1]

I agree with the power washing, unless one is pretty careful it wll bend over the fins. They do make a comb to help starighten it out a bit though. I get alot of airborne weed like particals from bush hogging w/mine. Maybe once a year I get the leaf blower out after it. Supriseing how much dust comes flying out. I blow it backwards, opposite of the fan pull also.
Does your fan pull air through really good? With mine running, you can tell the fan moves a bunch of air when taking the side engine panel on or off. Other then an air restriction or water restriction, make sure the radiator is full. Good luck, I know a tractor not performing 100% can be a real pain.

[LAWALLSTRACTOR]

Originally Posted by Nightrain1

I agree with the power washing, unless one is pretty careful it wll bend over the fins. They do make a comb to help starighten it out a bit though. I get alot of airborne weed like particals from bush hogging w/mine. Maybe once a year I get the leaf blower out after it. Supriseing how much dust comes flying out. I blow it backwards, opposite of the fan pull also.
Does your fan pull air through really good? With mine running, you can tell the fan moves a bunch of air when taking the side engine panel on or off. Other then an air restriction or water restriction, make sure the radiator is full. Good luck, I know a tractor not performing 100% can be a real pain.

Yes the power washing can be a little risky if you have to much pressure. The ones I have done this to have had very fine debri in them and when a quick garden hose cleaninng was done this stuff hardened in there like concrete. I don't know but this could be your problem.

[Secret Squirrel]

Originally Posted by brow1033

I have been reading all the posts since I ran across this site. I am at wits ends with my overheating problem. Seems like I can't seem to clean the radiator and screen enough to keep from overheating. It is no fun knowing I can't work for an extended period of time. Any help is appreciated...

Never an overheating problem with my 3510. I do keep the engine compartment relatively clean using compressed air with a horsehair brush to remove excessive dirt & dust. Then I use an electric pressure washer to wash the radiator from the inside out. Zero problems so far with this approach.

Rusty

[Talcott1]

I've found a good heavy duty leaf blower will help clean alot of loose debris out. I use it around the engine and radiator....the whole tractor to blow away stuff

Mainly for dust or to avoid the dust to concrete buildup referred to above.

[AchingBack]

Here is the problem with radiators in tractors used for field mowing. Plants contain sugary starches. When heated, those do congeal into the solid mass they were before they hit the radiator. The debris enters primarily from the front. I like Talcott1's idea of the leaf blower; which also makes a great chamois after washing your beast.

I just recently replaced my battery. When doing so, I especially noticed all of the radiator fins behind the battery compartment were plugged with hardened plant dust. Using compressed air, I was able to carefully blow out the clogs from the front, thus forcing them toward the engine. Next time I do this, I thing I will take the time to remove the fan shield. Doing so will enable me to get my air gun into a position to blow the dust from which direction it came.