3510 HST ran hot

[Ben55]

Today while using my Woods Rotary Cutter B60 in some very tall box alders I noticed the tractor steaming. I immediately looked down and the check engine light was on. I stopped the tractor and opened the hood. The reservoir was boiling over. It finally cooled down and I discovered the fan belt has come off. Not broken just off. I'm guessing a stick somehow hit the belt and dislodged it, which seems kind of strange. I ran back to the shed and got some wrenches and re-installed the fan belt at the time a large rain storm blew through. The tractor started and was cool and I drove it back to the shed in a driving rain storm. This freaked me out as I hope I haven't hurt it. I lost the coolant in the reservoir but the radiator was nearly full. Will regular anti-freeze be OK to use to replenish the reservoir? Do you think I damaged it?? Is there anything I should check? The little baby only has 25 hours on her. Dog gone it!!!
Ben

[dieselsmoke1]

Probably not, as by your post does not sound like it heated for an extended time. Coolant still in the radiator is a good sign, given a few more minutes and it probably would have boiled it all out.

Only once have I seen a diesel overheat to catastrophic levels, and it had an obvious predetination ping. Your post did not mention a change in engine sound.

Diesels run tighter tolereances and a lot more compression than a gasser, maybe 3 or 4 times as much, and catagorically speaking are not as forgiving to being overheated.

What to check, head gaskets are usually the first thing to go on a hot diesel. Before starting next time, check the engine oil.....good. If the gasket is blown into the lubrication system, the engine oil will look sort of like you've mixed half oil and mayonaise. Pass test one, next time you start it up , listen for any unusual sounds. If it's blown between 2 cylinders, you'll hear a difference like a skip or heavy knock. Pass test 2, take off the radiator cap while engine running and look for bubbles, a sign compression is blowing into the colling system. Pass test 3, keep a vigilant check on the engine oil and coolant levels for the next several hours. Any change means bad things are happening.

Most likely you just boiled a little water out and had enough to replace what you lost.

Good luck and keep us advised.

[BobG_in_VA]

Good advice has been given you about what to check for the next few hours. I don't think you hurt anything bad as your radiator was full. If you had blown all the water out then you should worry. As far as the anti-freeze, check your owners manual but I believe the 3510 has wet sleeves which means you should use fleet diesel (or low silicate) anti-freeze to avoid cavitation (bubbles on the sleeves). Most truck stops will have this. I have some Texaco low silicate which I bought before Shell bought them out. I think you can still get it. Until you find some just add water to the existing anti-freeze. As we are in the middle of a heat wave across the country, I don't think you have to worry about freeze up any time soon. BobG in VA

[rback33]

Originally Posted by BobG_in_VA

Good advice has been given you about what to check for the next few hours. I don't think you hurt anything bad as your radiator was full. If you had blown all the water out then you should worry. As far as the anti-freeze, check your owners manual but I believe the 3510 has wet sleeves which means you should use fleet diesel (or low silicate) anti-freeze to avoid cavitation (bubbles on the sleeves). Most truck stops will have this. I have some Texaco low silicate which I bought before Shell bought them out. I think you can still get it. Until you find some just add water to the existing anti-freeze. As we are in the middle of a heat wave across the country, I don't think you have to worry about freeze up any time soon. BobG in VA

Oh oh oh.. and opportunity to nit pick Bob......

except that "antifreeze" also LOWERS the boiling point the same as it RAISES the freezing point... so in this heat wave it could be said that it is just as important to maintain the 50/50 ratio. That said... water is fine... you won't use enough to know the difference.

[AchingBack]

I can understand getting freaked out about this incident. My 2615 came with a loose fan guard. After a few hours it finally slipped down enough to begin slicing the fan blades. The great thing about stuff like this happening to a new tractor is it is still under warranty. Smile, you have a great machine!

Bob

[DonWorrell]

Originally Posted by AchingBack

I can understand getting freaked out about this incident. My 2615 came with a loose fan guard. After a few hours it finally slipped down enough to begin slicing the fan blades. The great thing about stuff like this happening to a new tractor is it is still under warranty. Smile, you have a great machine!

Bob

Yes but does the warranty cover operator error?

Don

[rback33]

Originally Posted by DonWorrell

Yes but does the warranty cover operator error?

Don

Not that I have ever seen....

talked to a dealer once who thought about putting up a sign stating that "stupidity is NOT covered by warranty."

[Ben55]

Gents;
Thanks for all of the constructive advise.

Dieselsmoke1, I did as you suggested and here are my findings: oil looks as good as the day it was filled. I can not hear any unusual noises or pings and last, I can not see any bubbles with the cap off and the tractor running. The coolant level was one inch below the neck, so it appears I only lost what was in the reservoir. That made my feel better. BobG in VA. I did some research on your antifreeze concerns. You taught me some antifreeze lessons. I did some research on the internet about it. I looked in my manual and it doesn't address what type of antifreeze is in the tractor. I called my dealer and he said its regular green antifreeze, not the low silicate stuff. I told him what happpened and he said I've heard of people losing belts when they are bush-hogging and I said "well, that's exactly what I was doing when my belt came off." So it would appear Mahindra is aware of it, or at least some of the dealers are. His comment was, "I wouldn't worry too much, thats a tough little engine". Hopefully he is right. I still wonder about the antifreeze question and will send an email to Mahindra USA and poise the question. Thanks again to all who helped me calm my fears. I don't know much about compac tractors but know a little about Massey Harris, as I own 4 of them, yes, all gas. I will follow Dieselsmoke1's advise and watch the gauge more carefully from now on. I'll let you know of any developments. I won't be cutting again until Saturday. Thanks again!!!
Ben

[dieselsmoke1]

You're welcome. Initial results sounds good. I would check the oil and coolant levels after the first 15 minutes of hard use, then maybe once an hour for the next 4. By then the comfort level should start to return.

I've never thrown a belt on mine, but will be more aware it's a possibility after hearing your story.

Good luck and be safe.