2210D radiator sub-tank

[stormpetrel]

I noticed the sub-tank (that's what the manual calls it) was empty last week. I filled it to the line, and topped off the radiator. After I shut the engine down the next time I ran it, I heard a gurgling noise.....fluid going from the radiator into the sub-tank. The next time I looked (this morning) the sub-tank was empty. I left it alone because the radiator was still full. I ran the tractor today for about two hours at 2000 s. RPMsI let the engine run at 800 or so RPMs for 5 minutes so she could cool down before I shut her down. I noticed the sub-tank was full!! After the engine was cool enough, I went out to check the radiator level. Most of the water had gone from the sub-tank back into the radiator, and the radiator was down less than an inch. There was still an inch or two in the sub-tank.

Is this normal? It seems that the radiator wouldn't be dumping into the sub-tank unless there was higher than normal temps...? The engine didn't feel TOO hot. Seemed like what I would expect from an engine that had been run at operating RPMs for a while.

Interested in hearing what more experienced tractor guys have to say......
Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[winston1]

My 2002 level stays pretty constant in the radiator and overflow reservoir. Occasionally it may put a little in the overflow and then suck it back in. Haven't had to add fluid in either for 6 months or longer. You didn't mention overheating so I'm assuming that is not the problem. Do you have a temperature gage or light? Your radiator cap could be bad. You could test it or buy a new one. Yanmar Tractor Parts: RADIATOR CAP Might also observe your overflow jug while running for bubbles. If you have any it could be a blown head gasket. Been there, done that.

 

[stormpetrel]

My 2002 level stays pretty constant in the radiator and overflow reservoir. Occasionally it may put a little in the overflow and then suck it back in. Haven't had to add fluid in either for 6 months or longer. You didn't mention overheating so I'm assuming that is not the problem. Do you have a temperature gage or light? Your radiator cap could be bad. You could test it or buy a new one. Yanmar Tractor Parts: RADIATOR CAP

I have a light...... how can I test to see that it works?

I don't know about the cap......but I see that the sub-tank is leaking a small amount of fluid; it's not watertight. That might account for any loss.....

 

[stormpetrel]

My 2002 level stays pretty constant in the radiator and overflow reservoir. Occasionally it may put a little in the overflow and then suck it back in. Haven't had to add fluid in either for 6 months or longer. You didn't mention overheating so I'm assuming that is not the problem. Do you have a temperature gage or light? Your radiator cap could be bad. You could test it or buy a new one. Yanmar Tractor Parts: RADIATOR CAP Might also observe your overflow jug while running for bubbles. If you have any it could be a blown head gasket. Been there, done that.

Ruh roh.......that has me very worried about the gurgling noise
Would the bubbles be exhaust gas?

 

[winston1]

If it is not hot and boiling the answer would probably be yes, exhaust gases. Also, if this gurgling is happening soon after cranking I wouldn't worry to much about the light.

 

[stormpetrel]

If it is not hot and boiling the answer would probably be yes, exhaust gases. Also, if this gurgling is happening soon after cranking I wouldn't worry to much about the light.

Wish the thing had a temp gauge.......that's what I'm used to with boat engines. I don't even know if the light works (although the oil pressure & alternator lights do). The prior owner was pretty meticulous, had flushed the radiator out not too long ago. Also, the sub-tank is new.

Gurgling is while engine is running at slow idle to cool down before shutting down

The question is........is it normal for there to be back-and-forth between the radiator & sub-tank???????

 

[winston1]

"Is it normal to have back-and-forth between radiator and sub tank?" Not on my 2002. That's all I'm certain of.

 

[stormpetrel]

As a follow-up question: does anyone know what the operation temp range is?

170.....180?
I ordered a non-contact IR thermometer, will check the temp at the head while warm.............

 

[winston1]

Here is what Hoye says. How Hot Should My Tractor Run?

 

[careyo63]

I don't notice much water transfering between my bottle and radiator. Only in the summer heat.Maybe an 1/8 of a inch tops.You should be able to tell if the temp. light is working by removeing the wire to the Sender and grounding it out. That should make the temp. light come on. If it was mine I would be flushing it out again. After checking the water temp and it's not hot and still does it check how Pressured up you Radiator is getting.Head or H.gasket. There are some auto parts stores that will have a pressure gauge that is a Radiator Cap with a pressure gauge on it you can rent.

carey