Coolant tank split on my DK40SE?

[David Maxwell]

Hello everybody, I am not mechanical but am giving this a go. Last fall my tractor started overheating a bit. It got to the point that this morning I could only run it for about five minutes before it went into the red. Previously I had bought fancy air and water wands to clean out the radiator. I also replaced the fan belt. Today for the first time I was able to get the hood open. The latch mechanism was broken and I had to undo a couple of bolts.

Anyways, what I found was a little tank connected to the radiator that looks to be broken open. I've attached a picture. Is this the likely source of my woes? Replacements seem a bit tough to come by.

Thanks for any thoughts!

 

[grsthegreat]

Look at michiganiron site. Part #24 or 25. Kind of confusing. I think 25 is the tank itself, 24 is entire component.

Parts Finder Michigan Iron & Equipment Morrice, MI (855) 265-4590

Parts Finder Michigan Iron & Equipment Morrice, MI (855) 265-4590

www.michiganironandequip.com

 

[5030]

Plastic tanks are getting pretty expensive today... Wonder if a much cheaper Amascon windshield washer bottle would suffice?

 

[Coyote_CS2220]

It is the rad overflow tank. The plastic can become or is brittle (cheap plastic). As the coolant inside the radiator and engine heats up it expands and flows into the overflow tank. When the engine coolant cools it gets drawn back by suction into the rad and engine keeping the cooling system full.

While the overflow tank is broken and has lost its function the fact that your engine is overheating means you have lost sufficient cooling (coolant) to function. Once your overflow broke it would be a one way outlet.

It needs to be replaced with some type of new plastic tank and you need to replace the engine coolant thru the radiator cap.

If you have not been servicing your coolant system it may need a flush treatment and you should check the system for other leaks (coolant pump, hoses, seals).

It is a vital part of the engine and if you are not mechanical, you should get it serviced by someone who is. If you overheat the engine you will need not just new coolant, but a new engine.

Get the coolant system serviced before you try to use the tractor. Otherwise you risk doing severe damage.

 

[bdhsfz6]

A common cause of tractor engine overheating is restricted air flow through the radiator. Dust, pollen, grass clippings, etc. can build up over time and block the core. Many tractors have a removeable filter screen in front of the radiator which can be cleaned with a brush. Compressed air is also a good way to clear a blocked radiator core.

 

[TractorTYMe]

Genie air wand is a terrific tool to clear chaff out of the radiators.

 

[Cycledude]

Cleanup the plastic bottle and put some water in it so you can tell if it’s actually leaking from the bottle or somewhere else.
Sounds like maybe you should have someone with more experience take a look at it

 

[ruffdog]

It got to the point that this morning I could only run it for about five minutes before it went into the red.

If you severely overheated the engine, it is possible a violent serge of pressure could have burst the overflow tank. The vent in the cap isn't ready for such a blast of steam/coolant. I blow out the radiators every time I mow. Good luck.