Gator 620I Problems

[GatorNT]

Has anyone out there had any water consumption issues with their 620I's? I have an 08 with approx 75hrs on it that is using water and the dealer can't find any problems. Just curious if anyone else has had any issues like this.

It also has a problem with the throttle sticking that the dealer can't find the fix for either.

I am pretty sure they will be able to find the real problems now that it is out of warranty. But I would like to know if anyone else has had a similiar issue.

Thanks!

 

[2fast2]

I was told by my dealer that my 850D warranty was two years. You might want to verify your warranty status.
Water usage, without obvious leak, makes me think headgasket. Throttle issues - other than checking for mechanical issues, I have no specific suggestions.
Good luck, and when all else fails, try a different dealer.

 

[GatorNT]

Thanks. My thoughts exactly on the head gasket. I wanted to take it to another dealer, but the dealer I purchased it from had it right up until the warranty ran out. They told me they had no way to test it for a head gasket leak. Needless to say, I wasn't happy. I contacted JD about using another dealer, but they won't pay for it. Even though this was a problem and documented while still under warranty. They said once the warranty runs out, there is nothing more they can do. JD used to be a good company that stands behind their products. But I guess the hard economic times have gotten to them too.

 

[nmu98]

I have a small antifreeze leak on my 850D that I have been unable to find. I have not looked very hard either.

I can smell it when it gets hot, and it smells like its coming from up front by the radiator. My half windshield probably makes it more noticable. I know mine is not engine related, and not leaking on the floor.

So dont think its your motor yet....

 

[jcmseven]

nmu98,

I do too!!! I can smell coolant when mine gets to operating temperature, especially when the ambient temp outside is cold. I have had a TINY cold leak of coolant, so small it barely drips on my garage floor and only then occasionally. I have never noted any decrease in the fluid level and even my dealer who kept the machine for a week installing a new winch and some other goodies for me, could not find the leak. He even kept it on the lift for two days trying to target the leak, but nothing. I am not going to worry about it. It performs well. My dealer told me if it "blew up" or overheated he would replace it. I think he feels safe in saying this.

John M

 

[nmu98]

I put a half bottle of the silver soder in mine to try to stop the smell since I see not leak or have no drops. It has seemed to have worked. I don't know if its a good thing, but..... I have 70 hours on it and it has been a great machine other than getting used to some of the noises and quiting it down.

When its warmer, I want to lift the machine to see how the route the coolant lines from the rear tot he front. I bet I find a loose fitting.... Dunno...

But glad to hear I am not the only one.

 

[Engine_Tech]

A simple cooling system pressure test would tell you what is up. Dealer *should* have a tester. Usually they have one but lack the adapter to fit the smaller radiators.

L/C Kawasaki's seem to consume some coolant over time, but it shouldn't be substantial. Are you sure the system has all the air out of it?

If you are burning coolant, it should have a smell. Or, you can put a piece of cardboard in front of the exhaust and rev the engine. If the cardboard gets sticky, there is coolant in there.

 

[yankeerider]

nmu98,

I do too!!! I can smell coolant when mine gets to operating temperature, especially when the ambient temp outside is cold. I have had a TINY cold leak of coolant, so small it barely drips on my garage floor and only then occasionally.
John M

I haven't looked closely at the construction of these radiators, but I believe there is a problem with the construction of modern radiators which use metal-often aluminum-cores and plastic tanks. Several years ago when we had a stretch of severely cold weather we had 3 cars in the family which developed radiator leaks. After replacing 2 radiators, I advised my daughter against replacing hers, and she's still driving that car with the original radiator-just need to keep an eye on coolant level in cold weather. I think there is a differenital expansion between the metal core and plastic tanks/headers as the radiator heats up that allows it to be sealed when cold and at operating temp, but weep-or leak- during warmup. My research on the web seemed to confirm this supposition.

John, your little leak might result from this short period on warmup or cooldown, but it's extremely difficult to find a leak if the vehicle is kept in a warm(er) place or examined after a period of operation.

 

[yankeerider]

Disregard previous post. Took a look at the HPX this morning and the radiator's all metal.

 

[TOMMYHPX4X4]

no this ain't a joke i think the best way to find a leak would be to run it til it's warm them throw some flower on the engine and let it set for a while then come back and look for a wet spot. one of them garden pesticide dust sprayers would work good too it would leave a fne coat of dust on it then when your done just blow the engine down with an air hose or bake at 350 degrees for 30 minites or until golden brown. the last part was a joke.lol