Ford 4610 operating temperature?

gonefishin1 · Jun 27, 2019

I知 trying to figure out what temperature my tractor is supposed to be running at?? When I am mowing in thick grass for about 10 minutes the gauge reaches the red line. I used an ir temp gun and the top of the radiator and thermostat housing ts around 205-215. Bottom of the radiator at the bottom radiator hose is about 185-190.

This seems about 25 degrees too hot to me??? Radiator looks really clean inside and doesn稚 lose water. Thermostat seems to be operating. What is the proper temperature thermostat? Are the water pumps prone to failure? I believe it is still all original.

Texasmark · Jul 1, 2019

You must have the 188F thermostat like I do on my 3910 which I deliberately chose over the cooler stats in the other Fords. Mine moves up to the line pretty fast and stays there, regardless of ambient and workload. I don't use the tractor very often but roughly once a month or so light it off and drive it around for half an hour to keep things ready work.

gonefishin1 · Jul 1, 2019

when I have mine hooked on my 8' mower it steadily climbs all the way into the red.

If I am using it like normal with light loads it stays just over halfway on the gauge.

Jerry/MT · Jul 2, 2019

gonefishin1 said:
IçŸ¥ trying to figure out what temperature my tractor is supposed to be running at?? When I am mowing in thick grass for about 10 minutes the gauge reaches the red line. I used an ir temp gun and the top of the radiator and thermostat housing ts around 205-215. Bottom of the radiator at the bottom radiator hose is about 185-190.

This seems about 25 degrees too hot to me??? Radiator looks really clean inside and doesnç¨š lose water. Thermostat seems to be operating. What is the proper temperature thermostat? Are the water pumps prone to failure? I believe it is still all original.

Spec call for a 168° F thermostat (starts to open at 168°F). Gauge red zone is 230-240°F. Your measured temps are 205-215°F so if these are accurate, you don't have a problem. Make sure your drive belt is at the proper tension and that your radiator cap is the right pressure (7 psig) and is working properly.
Since you are mowing grass, make sure the air side of the radiator is not clogged with dirt and chaff.