Re: BX23 Temperature gauge - what\'s a normal range?
Interesting, I would think that the thermostat in the motor would keep the temp stable no matter what you were doing, maybe a little hotter if you are really working it. Most of our tractors are not continually working at max load, at least not pulling a mower. After recharging my anti-freeze this past weekend I noticed the previous owner removed the thermostat or it is stuck open. Warm water started circulating within minutes of startup. Luke warm that is.
Re: BX23 Temperature gauge - what\'s a normal range?
Yes, I would think the thermostat would keep things stable and mine does. It never does anything but what I've described. Makes me wonder if my thermostat is stuck open. Do these tractors have thermostats like cars, just sitting there at the end of the hose? If so I can check it myself.
It is my understanding that a gasoline engine runs best at a certain temp, which is not necessarily as cool as the cooling system can make it. I wonder if this is true of a tractor diesel? In other words, if my stat is stuck open am I hurting anything?
Re: BX23 Temperature gauge - what\'s a normal range?
At a 1/4 gauge reading or lower your very safe in just shutting down. That would be what I consider the normal operating temp on a BX.
I would recommend a short low idle period, say 30 sec's or so before shutdown to allow all the fuel, oil, hydro and water pressures to lower a bit. I don't have any brilliant scientific reasoning for this, I remember being told this way back in the day so I've done it on every engine I've owned since and it just seems right. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
It really takes a very hot day and tall thick grass to get my coolant temp up that high, most times it stays consistantly at about a 1/4 gauge reading.
Re: BX23 Temperature gauge - what\'s a normal range?
Hmm, that's similiar to me, except that I got it too late to experience hot temperatures. Though, when I did mow in low 60's weather, it did seem to get a bit warmer, but these days in New England weather, it barely comes up 1/4 inch from the lowest mark.
Re: BX23 Temperature gauge - what\'s a normal range?
Well yours is new so probably it's ok. Crank it up cold with the radiator cap off, idleing it should take quite a while to feel warm water, several-5 minutes (idleing). My guess is the open range of the thermo is about 180 or 190 like most engines. I haven't found a spec on this. Maybe I'll boil the new one to test it.
Probably won't hurt like this but all engines like to reach an operating temp and stay there, keeps the metals and such at the same temp and less expanding/contracting. Tractor, car not much different in that respect.
BTW the local dealer wanted $26!!! for a new thermostat!!! Bad part is $16 online at TS. When I get it I'll see if there is a temp stamped on it. Should be here tomorrow or Friday.
Re: BX23 Temperature gauge - what\'s a normal range?
</font><font color="blue" class="small">( It is my understanding that a gasoline engine runs best at a certain temp, which is not necessarily as cool as the cooling system can make it. I wonder if this is true of a tractor diesel? In other words, if my stat is stuck open am I hurting anything? )</font>
Definitely Even with them not stuck diesels can overcool. Ever notice those canvas grill covers in winter? But I'd guess you would notice it if serious. Smoking, power loss, clatter, etc.
My thermostats tend to stick shut (unlike my mouth)...
