2550 Melting hood!

[JSharp]

Have you considered the possibility that the engine may be running lean? A lean running engine will run hotter... Just an idea....

I haven't pulled a plug to see but given the way the engine runs and the fuel it uses I doubt it's a lean situation.

There wouldn't be much that could be done about that either since the engine is fixed jetting...

 

[jay25rs]

Also you may want to check with your dealer on service bulletins. 2500 series built before August 2006 have an exhaust shield extension that can be installed to cure any hood and latch melting problems.

Any pictures, part numbers, or service bulletin numbers that you can share? Or just describe really well how the exhaust is shielded and I will fab something. My DOM is 3/2006.

 

[JSharp]

Any pictures, part numbers, or service bulletin numbers that you can share? Or just describe really well how the exhaust is shielded and I will fab something. My DOM is 3/2006.

I'd like to see the latest fix for this myself. Mine already has the box shaped stainless steel heatshield over the top and front of the exhaust system. It didn't help for long. It would be nice to see what they've come up with this time. And I'd have more information in case I have issues with the dealer.

Mine is at the dealer now. I'm hoping it shows back up with this unknown to me until now recall/repair because just replacing the hood isn't going to help for long. I'll take some photos of it and post them when it comes back to see how it matches what others have.

And more all the time I think the header wrap idea has merit...

 

[jay25rs]

I'd like to see the latest fix for this myself. Mine already has the box shaped stainless steel heatshield over the top and front of the exhaust system. It didn't help for long. It would be nice to see what they've come up with this time. And I'd have more information in case I have issues with the dealer.

Mine is at the dealer now. I'm hoping it shows back up with this unknown to me until now recall/repair because just replacing the hood isn't going to help for long. I'll take some photos of it and post them when it comes back to see how it matches what others have.

And more all the time I think the header wrap idea has merit...

Mine has that box heatshield also. Also, has a small bent piece over the PTO pulley to deflect heat.

 

[Northstar]

I have been following this thread all along and today after 2 hrs of mowing I decided to have a look at and under the hood for any heat damage. None so far but the hood latch was very hot, so I checked out the cover on the center louver on the hood. The fasteners were to hot to touch , I removed them with a pair of needle nosed and removed the cover. When I closed the hood I held my hand over the louver and could feel the heat escaping. Apperently the louver was put there for a purpose, my question is why CC decided to cover it. Cosmetic or other reasons ?

 

[jay25rs]

Apperently the louver was put there for a purpose, my question is why CC decided to cover it. Cosmetic or other reasons ?

Perhaps on the vertically shafted machines, the plug is left off to allow air into the intake and for horizontally shafted machines CC thinks that it will pull air from the sides of the hood.

 

[CCinCT]

my question is why CC decided to cover it. Cosmetic or other reasons ?

Maybe they put it in there so that owners (or dealers) in hotter climates could remove it if needed? If that's the case, then it sounds like they forgot to tell anyone...

BTW JSharp, I don't have access to a temp gauge. My friend who has everything... apparently doesn't. I might pick one up next week if it's not too expensive. I can't imagine what else I'd use it for, other than to show my friend that I have something he doesn't. That's kind of a hard sell to the wife, but we'll see.

 

[jay25rs]

BTW JSharp, I don't have access to a temp gauge. My friend who has everything... apparently doesn't. I might pick one up next week if it's not too expensive. I can't imagine what else I'd use it for, other than to show my friend that I have something he doesn't. That's kind of a hard sell to the wife, but we'll see.

You should get a digital multimeter with temperature probe. This way it is a multi purpose tool and worth the purchase. Craftsman 82327 Infrared Thermometer with Laser Pointer at Sears.com

 

[JSharp]

Those IR thermometers aren't exactly something that most people have around. I only have one and some other types too because I use them in my work.

If anyone is looking for a good non-contact IR type this guy on ebay has them for very low prices -

eBay Store - CBM Tools: S-K Tools, Astro, Ingersoll-Rand Air Tools

The Raytek brand units are much better than the cheapie Actrons or the Sears model jay posted which is really a re-labeled Extech.

I still don't have my tractor back. The dealer will have had it for a week on Monday so I'm going to call then. I'm hoping there's not some delay because of parts or whatever...

 

[micman32]

After reading all about melting hoods I can honestly say I am glad i have the metal 3 piece hood on my 2518. I can feel cool air being drawn in from below the steering column and on both sides. I keep the screens clear and have very little debris on the fan which i blow out from time to time.
I know some don't care for the 3 piece design but i think it works better than the cheap plastic they use now.

Michael