JD 2012 4520 High Temp

[Fuquarj]

Brand new. With FEL and new electronic remotes in back. 3 hrs total on tractor. Temp gauge between 1/2 and red. Back to dealer and they put tractor on dynometer never got higher than between 1/2 and red and charts/graphs show all is normal. Water temp running 212F and hydraulics at 140F. Have owned several tractors (Case 7130, JD6430, JD 6200, JD4600, Case 2388 combine and others) and never/ever had temp gauge go to 1/2 or above unless grass or trash in radiator then cleaned out. Dealer said they contacted JD central and said is normal, and sent photos. I told them not to bring the tractor back until fixed or take it back. They plan to install a hydraulic oil cooler. Need some ideas and experience in this area. Of course all the usual suspects; water pump, thermostat, low coolant, bad temp gauge, etc but my main concern is in the block itself as possibility that one of the cooling channels has manufacturing slag or is partially plugged which could lead to hot spot and severe damage later.

 

[arlen4720]

Brand new. With FEL and new electronic remotes in back. 3 hrs total on tractor. Temp gauge between 1/2 and red. Back to dealer and they put tractor on dynometer never got higher than between 1/2 and red and charts/graphs show all is normal. Water temp running 212F and hydraulics at 140F.

All seems normal to me. My 4720 is exactly the same way. gauge runs 3/4 to red, water temp is >200 and oil temp is 80-100 deg above ambient.
There have been discussions on "the other" forum, and it seems that it is normal. I wonder if they are operating tractors hotter these days because of emissions and fuel economy. You've probably noticed that cars normally operate around 210 these days as well. The extra 20 deg doesn't mean much to the metals in the motor.
Hotter hydraulic fluid keeps moisture and air "cooked" out as well.

 

[WilliamBos]

This is not the old days anymore, running cooler is not always better. They run hotter to be more efficient, to save fuel and to meet stringent emissions.

 

[bbraud6]

My 2012 4120 runs between 1/2 and 3/4 temp. This is higher than my old jd 3320 but what i've been told this is normal for the 4000 series.

 

[Fuquarj]

Thanks so far for the comments.

 

[megaboz]

I wonder if the temp gauge is off by default. I know my truck is not entirely accurate. I'm sure JD puts the highest quality gauge in their tractors.(sarcasm).

I would check the actual temps with a temp gun, but as others have said, I'm sure it is normal. If it would actually keep climbing I'd be concerned.

 

[PioneerMan]

That's where I'm at on 4320. Especially on these hot summer days. It seems warmer than I would like, but I agree with all the replies. What cools these engines? If I'm parking for say 5-10 do you guys idle or shut down? It seems a cooling system must be strong on a tractor, with much less 'moving' air than a car...

 

[Ken]

Have a 2008 4520 Power reverser and temp. reads past 1/2 all the time after warm up. even when the screen is covered with grass still steady . But clean daily when bush hogging to be sure it has air flow.
Soon will have 1000 hours on and never a problem.
The fuel guage now is always showing low fuel so use the old method of a stick marked at 5 gal levels
When have time going to fix. J.D. tried twice under warrenty.takes to long to get tractor back to send again.
ken

 

[sunnyside360]

Have a 2008 4520 Power reverser and temp. reads past 1/2 all the time after warm up. even when the screen is covered with grass still steady . But clean daily when bush hogging to be sure it has air flow.
Soon will have 1000 hours on and never a problem.
The fuel guage now is always showing low fuel so use the old method of a stick marked at 5 gal levels
When have time going to fix. J.D. tried twice under warrenty.takes to long to get tractor back to send again.
ken

I'm on my second 4320 and both the 1st and 2nd tractors temp gauges have registered the same as yours. The fuel gauges on both tractors never have worked well even after being replaced. But, I really like the 4x20 series tractor and can cope with the fuel gauge inaccuracy.

 

[Ken]

Bought the tractor to do anything that needed to do on the farm so far it has worked well.
I just pour in 5 gal. diesel every morning while greasing the FWL. and checking the fluids tire pressure.
Have a 5 gal. wood paint mixing stick works good marked off when over 5 gal. low or sometime 2 5 gal. containers.
Really think the float inside tank is rubbing the side of tank. Due to can shut off and no error light Then shake or rap the tank and it will come on.
ken