G1800 Gauge replacement

[roofgoat]

We recently picked up a used G1800 Garden Tractor from a private party. Brought it in to a local repair guy here in town and had everything checked and replaced as needed.

First time cutting after about 2 hours the warning alarm for overheating went off. Checked and blew out the radiator, saw the fan was spinning, and later after cooling off, checked the radiator fluid level.

On the radiator side facing the seat, I still couldn't get it really clean. I'm guessing that was the cause. Even removing the screen under the steering I couldn't get at the debri that well. Anyway, I decided to bring it in to an authorized Kubota store out of town.

So I felt stupid when Bubba (yes that's the real name) opened the hood and the first thing he did was grab a screen just behind the radiator and pulled it out. I'm guessing that's why I couldn't blow out the junk that was on the other side of the radiator.

Anyway, the gauges both temp and gas do not work. The shop says a whole new panel is needed and the part is $350.00 plus $45 to install.

My question, is it dangerous to run this mower without the temp gauge working? Now that I know what to do to keep the radiator clean, is the gauge that important and is the warning siren enough?

Thanks

 

[KennyV]

is it dangerous to run this mower without the temp gauge working? Now that I know what to do to keep the radiator clean, is the gauge that important and is the warning siren enough?

Thanks

I like gauges... the main thing about a working gauge is it will tell you how well a system is working, you will become aware of what is normal, & when it indicates anything different you will be aware of the difference ...

It is not necessarily dangerous but I would replace the gauges... what is wrong with your existing gauges that everything needs replaced?? KennyV

 

[roofgoat]

Kenny, not sure what they found to say the whole panel needs replacing. Spoke with the desk guy, he didn't work on it. I'm going to pick it up today and talk with the mechanic to get more details. Doing some net searching here and another board, it appears some have fixed bad meters and a few just had to replace the panel.