testing temp gauge
- Thread starter twoone
- Start date
- Views: 30930
Caliche
Bronze Member
"If Paul takes out the thermostat and the little dangle is holding it open, he can just cut the dangle off with a set of diagonal pliers and put the thermostat back into his tractor without spending the big bucks for a new one. Once he gets the coolant to the proper temperature, then he can analyze the proper function of the sending unit and gage. "
Or just leave the thermostat out. Over 110 here, don't really need one.
Or just leave the thermostat out. Over 110 here, don't really need one.
EE_Bota
Veteran Member
Yep, cardboard in front of the radiator should cause it to heat up,:thumbsup: but you'd still have the problem of why it isn't heating properly without it. If it never gets over 120, I gotta believe the t-stat is defective or jammed open. If Paul takes out the thermostat and the little dangle is holding it open, he can just cut the dangle off with a set of diagonal pliers and put the thermostat back into his tractor without spending the big bucks for a new one. Once he gets the coolant to the proper temperature, then he can analyze the proper function of the sending unit and gage.
Oh well, it was just an idea that has served me well under identical circumstances, just a different engine. Electrical testing is no problem at all for me, since I have the tools and background to do them, but even so, I went that route because it was so much simpler.
I hoped the cardboard test would outline all the parts needs in one go, without having to do much electrical testing at all, and may even open the thermostat off the jiggler (should that be the problem), resulting in a period of normalcy.
The jiggler issue should be a reasonably rare event, and upon freeing it, perhaps by opening the thermostat with the cardboard test, it may not happen again for years, or ever, and if it did, it would result in a cold engine, not an overheated one, and could be monitored by the temperature gauge. Result: A chance that ZERO work and expense is needed.
To the OP:
I wish you good luck no matter which way you go, and I appreciate both your son's service to our country!
jinman
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 20,387
- Location
- Texas - Wise County - Sunset
- Tractor
- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
The simple answer is just yes, that is the normal response to the dangle holding the thermostat open. The engine temperature never rises. There have been probably a dozen of us with this problem reported on TBN. In every case the temperature stays literally at cold. Some of us with Boomers have had a simple drain line hose also bypass the thermostat. Even that small amount of uncontrolled coolant caused a huge lowering of temperature. People like me with that problem also fixed it by installing a cutoff valve in the engine block drain hose. The radiator on these compacts seems to be way overengineered probably due to the fact that tractors often get dirt/lint clogs when working. When everything is clean and clear, a small opening of the thermostat will have a huge effect on engine operating temperature.
jinman
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 20,387
- Location
- Texas - Wise County - Sunset
- Tractor
- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
110 is hot to you and me, but that is cold, cold, cold to an engine. If the manufacturer specs say it should run between 180 and 200 degrees, that's the design and where the best performance and longevity are provided. I personally would never recommend running without a thermostat. If it were okay and not needed, the manufacturer would surely leave it out and save themselves a few dollars.
jinman
Rest in Peace
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2001
- Messages
- 20,387
- Location
- Texas - Wise County - Sunset
- Tractor
- NHTC45D, NH LB75B, Ford Jubilee
Hello Caliche,
Thank you for your input. Not a good idea with out the t-stat your gauge is always showing cool maybe even pegged to cold) and the by the time your gauge would show a heat(hot) condition your already in trouble also if the gauge is always showing cold you really don't know whats going on. twoone :thumbdown:
