Allis Chalmers 6080 overheating

[stormz1969]

I have an allis 6080 that all of a sudden is now overheating. No issues until a couple weeks ago when it over heated when it was colder than -10f out. I知 thinking a stuck thermostat because it was all of a sudden an issue. I kept shutting it off and waiting to cool then turning it back on and then all of a sudden temperature dropped on it and it worked ok for the rest of that time using it. I found it way low on coolant after that so I added and it worked ok again for one use and now it痴 getting hot again. Today I found I could use it a lot longer if I kept it at its lowest idle but can only last a couple min if I use the snowblower. I took off the cap and looked in the radiator.. it痴 still full but when it got to temp I see that there doesn稚 seem to be any flow.. the cap is near the return so it seems like it would be noticeable if the thermostat opened and started to flow. The radiator did get pretty hot and the cap started dripping when it got hot. Also the heat no longer works. I知 no expert but with all these issues it seems to point to sticking thermostat. So I知 waiting on a new one and also gonna replace the cap. Just looking for some recommendations if anyone thinks it might be something else. Thanks.

 

[GeneD14]

Since there is no heat either: I would replace the thermostat (that is cheap) If that doesn't cure the problem: the water pump is the next stop, assuming no hoses are kinked or clogged.

 

[stormz1969]

Thanks. I don稚 see any hoses kinked, I was thinking thermostat over pump because it had worked a couple times over the last week like it unstuck temporarily.

 

[Dave M7040]

The heater is the concerning clue.
When the temp is OK does the heater resume working?

Is the heater in the cab roof or lower below the top of the rad.?

A stuck thermostat should not impede the heater as its circulation leaves the engine just before the thermostat unless your heater is a non factory installation.
This ensures the heater is getting the hottest coolant.

Dave M7040

 

[metalbender]

Is the coolant anti-freeze level adequate?

 

[Sawyer Rob]

You can test that thermostat in a pan of water on the stove. Watch it to see when/if it opens.

SR

 

[stormz1969]

Is the coolant anti-freeze level adequate?

It wasn’t when I initially had the issue. I filled it back up and it worked good for one use then went back to overheating. Level has remained stable at full since I added.

 

[stormz1969]

The heater is the concerning clue.
When the temp is OK does the heater resume working?

Is the heater in the cab roof or lower below the top of the rad.?

A stuck thermostat should not impede the heater as its circulation leaves the engine just before the thermostat unless your heater is a non factory installation.
This ensures the heater is getting the hottest coolant.

Dave M7040

It looked like it comes off after the thermostat if I remember right. When I get back in town later in the week I’ll check again.

 

[metalbender]

I was referring to the coolant having sufficent anti freeze to keep from freezing or partially congealing in the system.

 

[stormz1969]

I was referring to the coolant having sufficent anti freeze to keep from freezing or partially congealing in the system.

Gotcha. I thought that could have been the issue at first when it was so cold but it has been a problem above 40 since then. It’s 50-50 mix so it should be good.