intenational 444 overheating problem

[LD1]

It elimates a restriction and let's the tractor run cooler.

Downside is they operate most efficiently when warm. Without a t-stat that may never happen.

 

[GManBart]

You say lots of people remove the thermostats, what is the thinking behind removing the thermostat?? I will try the compressed air too see if that helps thanks

I think what they're thinking is that the cooler the engine runs, the better, but that's not entirely true. When you take the thermostat out the engine runs as cool as possible, because the coolant is flowing constantly, with no restriction. The problem is, that may not be warm enough to get the oil hot enough to boil off the normal contaminants that are the byproduct of combustion. It's probably okay if you're using the machine hard, but for partial load work, probably not.

 

[prs]

The thermostat was most likely removed in an attempt to fix the over heating problem, or maybe the original thermostat failed on closed mode. If over hearing with the thermo out, as you found, then you know there is another problem and a new thermo will not fix that. It may be as simple as a matted radiator grid, a failing water pump, or restricted water passages in the head. Matted radiator can be soaked with hydrogen peroxide and left to soften for a half hour before gently rinsing the crud away. Water pumps are not so hard to replace and some can be repaired. Clogged passages MUST be cleared! Heads warp, gaskets blow, pre-ignition robs powder and damages rod bearings and wrist pins. Commercial prepared organic acid flush agents are effective in most cases, follow the directions.

prs

 

[mcarr444]

I've fitted the tractor with a new thermostat and flushed the radiator out 2/3 times with a garden hose. And I managed to top my field the other day with no overheating much to my surprise. As the tractor was running for 2/3 hours constant! All be it not running the tractor hard. So I don't know if my problem is solved or just waiting for a more stressful job to re surface. Thanks again your advice is very helpfull

 

[DennisFolsom]

Good to see you are making progress. Now that you've worked it some, I would flush it another time or two with some kind of "radiator flush" product.

Remember that you might be stirring up some dust, chaff, etc. while mowing. You may need to blow out the air passages in your radiator occasionally.

 

[tjcarguy]

Petrol or Diesel ? I have had similar overheating issues simply by driving my tractor down the road at elevated engine speeds for 1/2 hour . Hope yours is working better now .---Trevor

 

[mcarr444]

Mine is a diesel Trevor. Seems to be working fine after the engine flush. Fingers crossed it stays that way.

Petrol or Diesel ? I have had similar overheating issues simply by driving my tractor down the road at elevated engine speeds for 1/2 hour . Hope yours is working better now .---Trevor