Is my MF 231 running too hot??
- Thread starter Travis_R
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OP
Travis_R
Veteran Member
Ok it's been a long day workin on the tractor. Honestly wasn't all that bad of a job, just time consuming.
Bought the 160 degree thermostat and some gasket material to cut out my own gasket. Messed first gasket up. Went back and bought bigger piece in case I messed up again... And I did! So on the 3rd try I finally got the gasket made. Then I applied black permatex silicone to the gasket on both sides and installed new thermostat.
I installed a new fuel filter, but before I could get the bowl back on I dropped it and it broke all to pieces when it hit the tractor floorboard. Ok I was mad but I had a few extra bowls in case this ever happened, and it did so I got to use one today. Got the new bowl and was wiping it out and ended up dropping that one! Good news is it didn't break. Finally got new fuel filter installed
Then called a buddy over to help me put the fuel tank back on. That's a nightmare by yourself but not bad with 2 people. And it had a 1/2 tank of diesel.
Hooked a couple fuel lines back up and started bleeding a few fuel lines. Wasn't bad at all to get the tractor started this time.
Got it going with ZERO LEAKS!! Whoohoo!!
I'm getting better at knowing what lines to bleed...I've NEVER had to bleed the injectors before...
So here are the results! There was definitely a problem with the old thermostat. It is running much cooler now. The max temp at the thermostat housing now is 158-162 degrees.
Here are some pics with descriptions...
This a pic with the engine running at 1900 RPMs with no engine load and nothing but water and the radiator flush/cleaner in the system.
Here is a pic of the radiator completely blocked with cardboard, no engine load...
Here is the temp reading with the radiator blocked with cardboard idling at 1900 RPMs, no engine load...
Idling at 1900 RPMs, no cardboard, no engine load...
And here is the pic idling at 1500-1800 RPMs with no cardboard, no engine load...
***Look on the second page of this thread and look at my 2ND POST FROM THE BOTTOM and notice the difference in the temperature readings***
I plan on tilling tomorrow to put the engine under a load to see what the temp gauge needle does.
The engine hasn't been under a load yet, but I think the problem is solved. What do y'all think? It has made a big difference in temperature with the new thermostat. Definitely cooler now.
But I can't help but wonder how much more the needle will rise when the engine is under a load.
At least now I've got the pics to compare...
Thanks for all y'all's help!!!! I'll surely post a pic of the needle with the engine under a load...
Bought the 160 degree thermostat and some gasket material to cut out my own gasket. Messed first gasket up. Went back and bought bigger piece in case I messed up again... And I did! So on the 3rd try I finally got the gasket made. Then I applied black permatex silicone to the gasket on both sides and installed new thermostat.
I installed a new fuel filter, but before I could get the bowl back on I dropped it and it broke all to pieces when it hit the tractor floorboard. Ok I was mad but I had a few extra bowls in case this ever happened, and it did so I got to use one today. Got the new bowl and was wiping it out and ended up dropping that one! Good news is it didn't break. Finally got new fuel filter installed
Then called a buddy over to help me put the fuel tank back on. That's a nightmare by yourself but not bad with 2 people. And it had a 1/2 tank of diesel.
Hooked a couple fuel lines back up and started bleeding a few fuel lines. Wasn't bad at all to get the tractor started this time.
Got it going with ZERO LEAKS!! Whoohoo!!
I'm getting better at knowing what lines to bleed...I've NEVER had to bleed the injectors before...
So here are the results! There was definitely a problem with the old thermostat. It is running much cooler now. The max temp at the thermostat housing now is 158-162 degrees.
Here are some pics with descriptions...
This a pic with the engine running at 1900 RPMs with no engine load and nothing but water and the radiator flush/cleaner in the system.
Here is a pic of the radiator completely blocked with cardboard, no engine load...
Here is the temp reading with the radiator blocked with cardboard idling at 1900 RPMs, no engine load...
Idling at 1900 RPMs, no cardboard, no engine load...
And here is the pic idling at 1500-1800 RPMs with no cardboard, no engine load...
***Look on the second page of this thread and look at my 2ND POST FROM THE BOTTOM and notice the difference in the temperature readings***
I plan on tilling tomorrow to put the engine under a load to see what the temp gauge needle does.
The engine hasn't been under a load yet, but I think the problem is solved. What do y'all think? It has made a big difference in temperature with the new thermostat. Definitely cooler now.
But I can't help but wonder how much more the needle will rise when the engine is under a load.
At least now I've got the pics to compare...
Thanks for all y'all's help!!!! I'll surely post a pic of the needle with the engine under a load...
OP
Travis_R
Veteran Member
LMAO!!!
sawtooth
Veteran Member
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- Sep 19, 2007
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- Eden NC
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You want really know till you load her up. This is because the other thermostat may have been the 180 one. Run the snot out of her and let us know. What we are looking for is a max temp. If it continues to rise under full load then there is still a flow issue. Let us know.
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Sent from my iPhone using TractorByNet
OP
Travis_R
Veteran Member
Ok sure will. Thanks
OP
Travis_R
Veteran Member
Yes I definitely wanna do that. What kind of thermometer do I need? One like you stick in meat or one when your sick and stick in your MOUTH? lol
murphy1244
Super Star Member
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- Nov 25, 2011
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- 16,335
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You need one that goes up to at least 212 or so.
