overheating

rilesdav · Sep 5, 2010

Hello All,
I have a Branson 6530 that recently starting overheating. I have checked the coolant level and that is ok, oil level is ok and no visable "junk" on the radiator. It starts overheating after about 1 hour of work, but stops just short of the red line on the temperature gauge.
Any ideas???
Thanks
Dave

Renze · Sep 5, 2010

take the thermostat out, into the kitchen and throw it into a pan of boiling water. You should see it open within seconds, if not, the thermostat is busted.

rilesdav · Sep 6, 2010

Great tip,

where is the thermostat located?? Manual does not give clear pictures.
Thanks for the help.
Dave

Eagleview · Sep 6, 2010

Can you see daylight/torch light through the core ? I got caught with this on my tractor . I always hose the tractor off after use and sometimes in the morning to get the dew off the glass . Unawares I was wetting the radiator through the grill . The dust turned to mud on contact with the still wet core and then turned to a solid mass in the center of the core . The fins "looked" clear front and rear but the middle was blocked and was impossible to see until I held a torch behind the radiator and found I could not see the light from the other side .

rilesdav · Sep 7, 2010

Thanks Iron Horse,
I will look into that. I pulled out the radiator screen and the screen had only minor dust. I ran the tractor for about 2 and 1/2 hours today and the temp got only slightly above center line. Should I still be concerned??? I assume if it lasted that long, the thermostat must be ok?? Could the fact that I am running coolant that is 3 years old be the culprit?? I just noticed that it suggests changing every year in the manual, but I think that is excessive.
Any thoughts?
Dave

52wej · Sep 7, 2010

Iron Horse makes an excellent point. A lot of dust will accumulate on the radiator even if there is not much on the screen. If washing be sure to completely wash so the water flows freeley or better use a high pressure air gun after every 8 to 10 hours to remove the dust. On a smaller tractor that is very improtant. Ideally the tractor temperature should not be running above the mid point. On my Century(same as Branson 3510) keeping the radiator cleaned is essential to keeping the temperature in range. I can always tell when the radiator is clogging as the temperature will rise quickly.Willie Jones

jgreen · Sep 8, 2010

FYI,
Antifreeze does not "wear out" as to the freeze/boil over protection. The additives wear out that protect the system from corrosion, electrolysis, rust, etc. Antifreeze may be diluted to the point that you are not protected from freezing or hot conditions. A small antifreeze hydrometer is a excellent investment to check for the freeze/boil over protection. There is also some test strips you can use to check your antifreeze for the condition of the additives, however they are usually sold in a package of 25 to 50 strips. You can also check your coolant to see if the acidity level is high with a voltmeter. High acid levels equals the break down of additives in the coolant.

Voltmeter test for high acidity content in cooling system.

Tools and Equipment needed DC voltmeter (digital multimeter)
Caution: Allow engine to cool before doing this test. Removal of the radiator cap on a warm or hot engine may result in severe burns.

1. Remove radiator cap from radiator (cold engine).
2. Place (+) positive lead of voltmeter in antifreeze/coolant in radiator. Not on the radiator core/tubes/tank, in the coolant only.
3. Connect (-) negative lead of voltmeter on a good engine ground.
4. Set voltmeter on DC volts. Prefer 2 volt scale or at most 20 volt scale.
5. Turn voltmeter on and read meter.
6. Any reading above .4 volts indicates high acid build up in the cooling system and the system should be serviced.

I would change the coolant as recommended by any manufacture as this is a cheap investment compared to a repair/parts replacement.

I hope this helps!

Transit · Sep 9, 2010

X 10 with iron horse, be careful with air or water pressure. The fins in the core are very ease to damage. I use a hogs hair filter in front of the radiator to keep the junk out, others suggest horse hair. Remove the filter and clean it with air or water and your good to go.:thumbsup:

DavesTractor · Sep 14, 2010

rilesdav said:
Hello All,
I have a Branson 6530 that recently starting overheating. I have checked the coolant level and that is ok, oil level is ok and no visable "junk" on the radiator. It starts overheating after about 1 hour of work, but stops just short of the red line on the temperature gauge.
Any ideas???
Thanks
Dave

Have someone shine a flashlight beam through the radiator, you should be able to see light throughout the core as the light is moved. 95%, maybe 99% of the time this sort of overheating problem is due to clogged radiator fins, even if the radiator looks clean at a glance.

Probably once a year every tractor owner should do a real thorough radiator cleaning, more than just compressed air. Pull the grill, battery, etc and really do the job completely. Generally the radiator can stay in the tractor.