sriddle1
Silver Member
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2014
- Messages
- 218
- Location
- SW New Hampshire
- Tractor
- ACTIVE: JDX730 DAYS GONE BY: JD3010, JD790, JD425
Yesterday I had my 1993 JD 425, 2-wheel drive Garden Tractor that I purchased used in '2 out and notice what I thought was smoke coming from the engine area so I shut'er down. First thing I thought of, an electrical short and there goes the wire harness but thankfully just a leak in Lower Radiator Hose, coolant stream hitting muffler, Hose Part # M111382. I consider myself Mechanically-Challenged so just thinking this should be a snap my wife will have to don her earplugs once again? Whoever installed the hose the last time must have had the Muffler Assembly out because the screw type clamp's slotted head (on the hose end connecting to the water pump ) is pointing directly at the muffler, no access via the side panel, see attached PIC. The hose end on the bottom of the radiator, no problem accessing.
I have several questions for those who possess mechanical talents. QUESTION: If I cut the hose off, do you think I could (using a large slotted screwdriver) and a little force to spin the clamp head around so I have access or most likely it's forever stuck and I'll have to give-in to removing the muffler. That looks to be pretty complicated, give me any hex head and I'll strip it or better yet, snap the threaded shaft into the manifold oh-yeah. So I'll not go down that road, off to the shop it will go = $$$. QUESTION: When I change or have someone else change the hose would you recommend also changing the upper, haven't been changed since I've owned it.
Next some basic Radiator, Thermostat and Coolant Refill Questions Please. When I felt the leaking lower hose yesterday it seemed dry, could pinch it and no fluid noise. I'll have a collection pan out when I try to remove the hose. QUESTION: Once I replace the hose, is there an air bleed. I understand the coolant's temp opens the thermostat and creates circulation inside the engine block. As it cools the thermostat shuts so do I simply fill the radiator and the reservoir and it will re-fill itself and displace air.
Lastly, I checked the coolant level in the reservoir and noticed the reservoir cap was loose, probable because of age of the plastic reservoir it no longer tightens down. QUESTION: Should I purchase a new reservoir and cap, I believe there must be a tight seal to support the coolant draw back into the radiator. Perhaps someone can provide a quick overview of that process and need for a tight seal. I've noticed the tractor running hotter lately, the air around the tractor but the temp gauge read OK. THANK YOU??
I have several questions for those who possess mechanical talents. QUESTION: If I cut the hose off, do you think I could (using a large slotted screwdriver) and a little force to spin the clamp head around so I have access or most likely it's forever stuck and I'll have to give-in to removing the muffler. That looks to be pretty complicated, give me any hex head and I'll strip it or better yet, snap the threaded shaft into the manifold oh-yeah. So I'll not go down that road, off to the shop it will go = $$$. QUESTION: When I change or have someone else change the hose would you recommend also changing the upper, haven't been changed since I've owned it.
Next some basic Radiator, Thermostat and Coolant Refill Questions Please. When I felt the leaking lower hose yesterday it seemed dry, could pinch it and no fluid noise. I'll have a collection pan out when I try to remove the hose. QUESTION: Once I replace the hose, is there an air bleed. I understand the coolant's temp opens the thermostat and creates circulation inside the engine block. As it cools the thermostat shuts so do I simply fill the radiator and the reservoir and it will re-fill itself and displace air.
Lastly, I checked the coolant level in the reservoir and noticed the reservoir cap was loose, probable because of age of the plastic reservoir it no longer tightens down. QUESTION: Should I purchase a new reservoir and cap, I believe there must be a tight seal to support the coolant draw back into the radiator. Perhaps someone can provide a quick overview of that process and need for a tight seal. I've noticed the tractor running hotter lately, the air around the tractor but the temp gauge read OK. THANK YOU??
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