4320 Overheating

[DRod]

Hey guys!

I have 1 1/2 year old JD 4320 with 300 hours which has recently started overheating. The first instance was during snowplow duty this winter at temps of 20 degrees or less. The needle would slowly creep higher, and once I got a "temphi" readout on the LCD display. The few times I used it this winter after that, keeping higher RPMs (2000+) on the engine seemed to help.

Fast forward to yesterday, when I went to get a little early brushogging in. After changing the oil, cleaning the primary air filter (dealer had to order in a new one - none in stock), and cleaning off the grill and radiator screen, I took it out again. The temp was climbing while I got the brushog mounted, but came down a little when I kicked up the RPMs (still staying on the top 1/2 of the gauge).

It stayed in the green, but high, while I was using the tractor. Idling for only a couple minutes to take a phone call, it went into the red and I got "temphi" again. Running it to get it back to the house, it dropped back into the green, but not by much. After shutting down, I checked the coolant in the overflow tank, and it was still cool, like it's not circulating.

Do you think this points to a thermostat problem, or am I missing something a little easier?

Thanks for the help.

 

[sunnyside360]

Remove the radiator cap and make sure the radiator is full (cool temp). Did you clean the radiator really good with compressed air? Next, make sure the belt (fan & water pump) is not too loose. If above is ok, I'd strongly suspect the thermostat.

 

[radman1]

Something must be wrong. These tractors are not prone to overheating even on hot days and working hard. My 4520 with cab and a/c running never gets hot. Barely gets over the 1/2 region in the green. Really check you radiator. You may be plugged within the fins of the radiator and not on the surface. Run water (low pressure) through the radiator when the tractor is cool. Should be able to run through all portions will good flow out the backside.
It could be the thermostat but usually is another issue. Check the amount of fluid in the radiator and not just reservoir.

 

[DRod]

Thanks for the advice guys - I'll check it out when the rain stops, and let you know how it goes.

Much appreciated!

Dale

 

[Kubota 2350]

I'd put my guess at a loose fan belt, or low coolant in the radiator.
Fins shouldn't be plugged up on a 1 1/2 year old tractor, unless you've been cutting a lot of grass and it's getting sucked up into the radiator fins.
If you can't find an answer here, it's broke.

 

[DRod]

Uh ... confession time.

Newbie thought that checking coolant in the overflow tank took care of things. Oops. Filled the radiator - all is better.

Thanks guys, for the help.

Dale

 

[kennyd]

Uh ... confession time.

Newbie thought that checking coolant in the overflow tank took care of things. Oops. Filled the radiator - all is better.

Thanks guys, for the help.

Dale

Now you need to find out where it went...keep an eye on the level.

 

[sunnyside360]

Uh ... confession time.

Newbie thought that checking coolant in the overflow tank took care of things. Oops. Filled the radiator - all is better.

Thanks guys, for the help.

Dale

Good news and bad news. Full overflow tank and low radiator should not happen unless something else is wrong. The radiator cap is the first thing I'd look for but a leaking gasket or hose could also cause this. Best thing is to keep a close eye on the coolant level in the radiator and overflow tank. Also look for slow leaks around hose clamps and engine seals/gaskets especially after the tractor sits for a day or more. Good luck.

 

[radman1]

Uh ... confession time.

Newbie thought that checking coolant in the overflow tank took care of things. Oops. Filled the radiator - all is better.

Thanks guys, for the help.

Dale

Been there, done that. I still overlook the simple solutions sometimes.