Fan belt problem-TC-18

dass · Nov 5, 2003

Last summer I was using my cutter, on a slight incline, when I noticed the smell of burning rubber. The fan belt was shot and there was very fine fragments on nearly everthing under the hood. The old belt didn't look that bad once I had it off but the new one worked fine . A couple of weeks later while I was changing the oil I could see fresh material that looked the same. The new belt is working fine. But this stuff took the paint off everything it touched. Now the top of the battery seems clean and the terminals not corroded.I'm wondering if the fan sucks fumes from the battery and sends it through the radiator . I think these batteries are being over charged.The top of it does not need to look wet but still could be over charging.

PineRidge · Nov 5, 2003

I would think your fan belt problem is a separate issue from your battery problem. I have seen many posts mentioned here at the site regarding lots of problems with the style of batteries used in New Holland tractors so you may or may not have an issue there. These were not overcharging issues but rather acid being sloshed out of the battery and damaging the metal components like the hood latch, radiator, and the like. I think if you do a search on Optima battery you will see what I am speaking of. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Fan belts do not last forever and I wouldn't worry too much about losing one unless you notice the new belt developing a problem with it as well.

have_blue · Nov 5, 2003

Dass,

Could it be a coolant leak? Coolant will dissolve some materials worse than acid.

I hear you on the acid fumes. Seems like light fumes could be sucked through the radiator without depositing on the battery.

One novel way to test for acid is to take a very small taste of the deposit. A sour taste is definitely acid. Any other taste should be spat out, because it may be coolant. Although a tiny taste of any tractor fluid won't hurt you, caution is prudent.

dass · Nov 5, 2003

I'll have to keep a eye on the new belt,so far so good. The batteries are leaking from the top and not overcharging ? Ok,I understand now. dass

dass · Nov 6, 2003

I sent a reply to your message but it got lost some where.Anyway , the coolant has been ok,no leaks.I would question the placement of the battery directly in front of the radiator.I'm not a design engineer......but.

have_blue · Nov 6, 2003

NH batteries are in the best of places, and the worst of places. I love the easy accessibility, but using a spew-y battery spells damage for everyting nearby. NH should take responsibility and supply SLA or AGM batteries. AGM's can take a beating, are totally spill proof, and aren't outrageously expensive. I find battery mounting hardware is more of a problem than performance or price.

AGM Battery Info

dass · Nov 6, 2003

Ya, those batteries look ok. Good prices. Thanks have blue.

hazmat · Nov 9, 2003

dass,

Did you pinpoint your problem yet? I don't have any advice to offer, only sympathy. Selfishly I'm curious because I want to be on the lookout for problems with my machine (@242 hours now).