Is my MF 231 running too hot??

[Travis_R]

Where does the needle on the temperature gauge supposed to stay at (as long as the tractor is at operating temp. and the radiator is cleaned) when you're bush hogging with the 231 ?

My temp gauge is original. Half of the gauge where the needle reads is "green" (normal operating temperature) and the other part is "white" (meaning it's running on the hot side) and the radiator needs to be cleaned.

For some reason, I'm thinking mine is running more on the "warm" side than it should. I NEVER let the needle get in the "white" because I'm scared that's too hot for it and may blow a head gasket.

CAN I let the needle get in the "white" and still be safe to run the tractor?? If so, HOW FAR can it go over in the white before I need to stop and clean the radiator??

With the radiator cleaned out, while bush hogging (meaning tractor's under load), I'm guessing the needle STAYS about a quarter inch or so from the "white" area of the gauge.

Does this tractor have a thermostat??

Also, I sometimes have to add anti-freeze to the radiator, but not often... Is this normal??

I'm just concerned, that's all...

Thanks!

 

[DIRTROAD]

If your tractor is like my tractor, you don't have anything to worry about.

My original temp gauge bit the dust long ago so I replaced with an aftermarket type from advance auto. My temp actually never got warm enough for my liking according to the gauge. I think it ran around 160 even when under a severe load.

One time my fan belt broke and I didn't realize it. I continued to cut for about an hour at nearly full throttle before I noticed the tractor getting hot.

If it ain't pushing out water/antifreeze it ain't too hot.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

The 231 is VERY similar to the line of Massey Ferguson tractors before it. Same basic engine as was found in 135, 150, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, ect.....I'm vary familiar with a number of those models, but not so much "hands on" with a 231....

All the tractors I've ever been around that use the Perkins AD3-152 engine will push SOME coolant out of the system if you fill it beyond a certain point, high heat or NOT. From the very beginning, my 150 will show a coolant level about 2-1/2" to 3" below the fill cap after a bit of use, even if I fill it to the brim....After it reaches that point, no more coolant escapes.

OEM temp gauge Massey settled upon is just shy of being an idiot light in my book. Unless you're pegging the gauge, it's probably well within service limits regarding engine temp.

Does it reach a point and level off after a while, or does it continue to climb the longer you run? (Latter would make me suspicious too)

 

[Travis_R]

The 231 is VERY similar to the line of Massey Ferguson tractors before it. Same basic engine as was found in 135, 150, 230, 235, 240, 245, 250, ect.....I'm vary familiar with a number of those models, but not so much "hands on" with a 231....

All the tractors I've ever been around that use the Perkins AD3-152 engine will push SOME coolant out of the system if you fill it beyond a certain point, high heat or NOT. From the very beginning, my 150 will show a coolant level about 2-1/2" to 3" below the fill cap after a bit of use, even if I fill it to the brim....After it reaches that point, no more coolant escapes.

OEM temp gauge Massey settled upon is just shy of being an idiot light in my book. Unless you're pegging the gauge, it's probably well within service limits regarding engine temp.

Does it reach a point and level off after a while, or does it continue to climb the longer you run? (Latter would make me suspicious too)

I'm not a fan of this gauge either...

Once the tractor reaches operating temperature, the needle on the gauge levels off BUT the needle is ABOUT a 1/4" from going into the white (meaning "hot"). If the radiator gets stopped up with leaves/seeds/clippings, the needle WILL EVENTUALLY go into the white, IF I LET IT but I've never let it go this far. I stop and blow out the radiator.

I don't know if it's "safe" for the needle to be in the white part of the gauge or not, and still operate the tractor...

I'm just not sure "how hot" is "too hot" ??

Is there anything I can put in the radiator to make it run cooler? A product like "Water Wetter" or something??

I wish I could see exactly what the temperature is in the radiator, just before the needle goes into the white...

Does my tractor have a thermostat??

 

[MrBushhog]

i have a 96 231 with 966 hrs. and i have seen it get close to hot side once after cutting all day then trying to cut some tall thick grass really short for a parking area. make sure you keep the rad. cleaned out for air flow. i run water wetter in mine.

 

[Travis_R]

i have a 96 231 with 966 hrs. and i have seen it get close to hot side once after cutting all day then trying to cut some tall thick grass really short for a parking area. make sure you keep the rad. cleaned out for air flow. i run water wetter in mine.

I've heard of this "water wetter" stuff but have never used it. Where can I buy it and how much do I put in the radiator? Thanks!

 

[Travis_R]

Is the antifreeze/water supposed to swirl around in the radiator after you been running the tractor for a while?? Is it also supposed to boil water and steam everywhere if u remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot?? Mine is not doing any of this.
Also, the radiator is completely cool at the bottom and the middle and barely warm at the top after grading a driveway for about an hour and a half.

I'm concerned about this. Thanks

 

[sawtooth]

Have you checked your thermostat? Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet

Not sure about yours but I had a bad thermostat and once I replaced it problem was solved. .

 

[Travis_R]

Have you checked your thermostat? Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet Not sure about yours but I had a bad thermostat and once I replaced it problem was solved. .

I'm starting the process of checking things out in the morning. Waiting on an infrared thermometer to be delivered to my local Autozone. Supposed to be there around noon. How will I actually be able to tell if the thermostat is bad without changing it? Thanks for your reply! I'm open to all opinions/advice. TBN member "K7LN" has been helping me tremendously.

 

[sawtooth]

Others have told me you can leave off radiator cap and when temp gets high enough it will open Tstat and allow water movement or flow which you will see. If water doesn't flow the tstat is bad. I have never tried this but you can first before proceeding forward. If you never see movement even when close to overheating then I will let machine totally cool and remove Tstat. You can then put tstat in water on stove and place burner on high. Use a thermometer to see at what temp it starts to open and temp for fully open. Should be fully open by 200F. If its not then Tstat is confirmed bad.

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