Dirt in the engine coolant.

[Ozark Hollow]

Ok, I did something boneheaded. I noticed that the coolant level was a little bit low before I started the tractor for the first time this year (B2620). So I added a little bit of distilled water to the reservoir.

Well, apparently due to the fact that I do not have man thumbs, I did not get the cap completely snapped back down. It seemed to be on after I used about as much pressure on it as I could manage without standing on my head, and I went off and did a couple of hours worth of brush hogging. The next day, when I lifted up the hood to check everything before starting up the tractor, I saw to my dismay that the lid was only resting on top of the coolant reservoir. There was some dust and dirt on the underside of the lid and I think I can see some in the coolant.

So, what next?

1) Do I need to have it flushed ASAP before using the tractor again?

2) Is it ok to run it for a few hours? Three or 4 hours to be exact, they are picking it up next week for service.

3) Is this likely to cause problems down the road?

Thanks, I feel like an idiot for not checking that lid better.

 

[leonz]

Ok, I did something boneheaded. I noticed that the coolant level was a little bit low before I started the tractor for the first time this year (B2620). So I added a little bit of distilled water to the reservoir.

Well, apparently due to the fact that I do not have man thumbs, I did not get the cap completely snapped back down. It seemed to be on after I used about as much pressure on it as I could manage without standing on my head, and I went off and did a couple of hours worth of brush hogging. The next day, when I lifted up the hood to check everything before starting up the tractor, I saw to my dismay that the lid was only resting on top of the coolant reservoir. There was some dust and dirt on the underside of the lid and I think I can see some in the coolant.

So, what next?

1) Do I need to have it flushed ASAP before using the tractor again?

2) Is it ok to run it for a few hours? Three or 4 hours to be exact, they are picking it up next week for service.

3) Is this likely to cause problems down the road?

Thanks, I feel like an idiot for not checking that lid better.

You should not have any issues as they get some dust in them anyway as they are vented, no worries.

 

[crazyal]

How many hours away from when it's time to flush your radiator are you? While it's not a big deal it can create problems down the road. Mainly in the water pump. It has a seal that relies on coolant to lubricate it, dirt could damage that seal. Second the impeller inside it could get warn down if the dirt gets caught between it and the pump housing. Also you could run into over heating problems (unlikely if just a little dirt got in) if the dirt settles in places like around the cylinders or in the head.

I think I would remove the overflow tank and flush it out since it's easy if you can still see dirt in it. It's also possible that very little fluid was transferred from the overflow tank to the radiator. Just cleaning the tank is most likely all you need to do. If it was me that's all I would do and then flush the system at the next regularly scheduled point.

 

[art]

As I read this and I'm looking out the frost covered window thinking of snow removal it reminds me of what a small world we live in!!!!

I would just clean the tank as has been suggested and not worry about it at this point.

 

[Transit]

There are filter kits that go in-line to the radiator hose that will trap dirt or anything that should not be in the system. Look on line for auto radiator coolant filters.

 

[Ozark Hollow]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! I really appreciate it. I'm going to investigate today how difficult it is to take off the tank to clean it out. The temp has taken a plunge back down though, so if it looks too involved I may just wait until they pick it up next week and have them flush the system. I'll be a lot more careful about making sure that cap is REALLY snapped on tight in the future.