1700 Running Hot

ARAYT · Oct 21, 2011

I have a 1700 that is running hot. I can run it for about an hour before it reaches the boiling over point (30 mins or so if I'm bush hogging). I normally use it to move hay which only takes a few minutes, but I need to get if fixed. I had the head reworked a couple years ago after it dropped a valve and realy fowled alot of thing up including cracking the head. Then idiot me thought I had checked the antifreeze last winter but i did not and it pushed a freeze plug out and cracked the thermostat housing. I replaced them but every since then I've had this problem. No water/oil mixing it just seems to loose a little water after running a while and runs hot. Any advise on where to start would be appreciated. I'm just assuming the head is cracked again how can I confirm this? Oh yea I did try adding K&W block sealer but it did not help.
Thanks Ray

dieselmechanic · Oct 21, 2011

There are several things that could be causing this problem first is the radiator clean so air can pass thru check fan belt for tightness and is not slipping also make sure the fins of the radiator aren't loose from the tubes if all of these check out the easiest way to trouble shoot would be to pick up a inferred thermometer you can pick one up at advance or auto zone for under sixty bucks get engine up to operating temp. Check temps. with gun make sure gun readings and dash gauge are close in readings 5-8 deg. Use gun check at top hose and bottom hose you should see a 10 to 12 deg. Difference top being hotter of the two now if you see below 10 deg difference there isn't enough air flow thru radiator if the difference is above 12 deg the radiator is restricted internal tube dirty if you see a large difference 20 deg or more the water pump isn't moving the coolant also at thermostat housing check both sides engine side and radiator side if you know what deg. Thermostat is when engine temp. reaches thermostat opening temp both side should be equal if not then could be a bad thermostat or installed backwards hope this helps

ARAYT · Oct 23, 2011

Thanks for the info. I have a digital ir thermometer I use for HVAC work, did not think to use it here. I know the belt it tight and the radiator is clean. I'll check the t-stat and make sure it is opening like it should. I may have replaced it after fixing the housing when it froze last year. I have a bad feeling the head is cracked again. Thanks again for the advise.
Ray

JB4310 · Oct 23, 2011

I have a Ford 1700 I think it's the same engine, ask over in the new Holland forum, there are a few guys with alot of experience.

I have not had any issues with mine, but have heard of known issues involving cracked heads. Like you are fearing, there are some threads on how to repair as well.

Good luck,
JB