CK-35 Running Hot

[Dave from GA & KY]

Under normal circumstances (running loader, bush-hogging, etc.) my CK-35 runs in the ideal, straight up, heat range.

But when I work it hard, most specifically plowing with a spring tooth harrow, although the tractor pulls hard and does the job with ease, it runs right at the high end of the acceptable temperature range according to the gauge.

I assume since it stays in the normal range and never "overheats" (according to the gauge), this is normal when the tractor is working hard. Is that a good assumption? Using it for tasks that keep it running on the "hot side" won't hurt the tractor will it?

Tractor is < 1 year old and antifreeze levels are fine.

Thanks for any info.

Dave

 

[Gittyup]

Is your radiator screen clean?

It might be the hydraulic cooler driving up the temperature. A lower range/gear might help.

 

[Patches]

So long as it doesn't overheat, it's fine. Actually better to run in the upper part of the "normal" range than in the lower, cooler section as you'll get more complete combustion, thus creating less soot and other contaminants for your lubrication system to deal with

 

[VictorW]

I have a CK30hst and it has always, except once, stayed in the straight up normal range even when working it harder in the summer heat. That one time was my fault. The screen in front of the radiator was covered with weeds, grass, etc. Now I take a look, often, at the screen. Even in winter, once working the tractor, the gauge will read straight up unless I get off and let it idle a bit.

 

[greenmule]

Yep,that screen,need to be cleaned after each brushhoging,I always take screens out on this tractor and other tractors,blow compressed air from rear of raditiator through raditiator and generally just blow motor off and side screens,than blow screens out good and put them back in place.[don't get blow gun to close to raditiator finnes,they are soft and you can bend them over blocking air flow].

Kinda a pain but its what you gotta do.

Air filter,it needs to be blowed out at least every 7-8 hours if you are cutting stuff thats got fine chaff like stuff in it,fall is the worst,but spring can be pretty bad to,cause stuff is taller,etc.

 

[DK35vince]

Make sure your radiator screen is clean. And make sure the fan belt is tight. Lugging the engine or trying to pull in to high of a gear for extended periods can also make the engine run hot.
I have an older DK 35. I think its basically the same engine as in the CK 35.
My temp gage always straight up in the heat range no matter what I'm doing. It has never gone to the high end of the guage.