Jinma 304 water pump

HankC · Mar 20, 2006

Well spring is almost here in Mass. so I went out to my daughters land to start getting things ready.
My tractor has been sitting there idle since December so I figured the chinese batteries would be dead. To my suprise the tractor started right up on the first try the temp. was 20 deg.

First order of business was to do the thermostat mods that GuglioLS posted (great job Larry), as this tractor always ran cold.

Well this mod worked great warmed right up to 80C, first time the temp gage ever registered.
The next morning I was planning to do some log skidding but found that I had lost antifreeze. Looks like it's leaking around the front bearing of the water pump. I guess it didn't like the warmer temps. Is this coincidence or what?

At any rate, can these pumps be repaired or is a new one in order?
Also can anybody shed some insight on removing the hood/cowling as I would also want to replace the batteries and it looks like they would be difficult to replace/access without removing the cowling. I guess the biggest question is how do you get it over the steering column.

Thanks,
HankC

Soundguy · Mar 20, 2006

Can't help.. just offering comments... I wouldn't replace the battery till it started having problems.. unless you think it is getting weak..

Soundguy

Ranch_Hand_Supp · Mar 20, 2006

I would recommend that you replace the water pump. I stock only complete pump assy.

Make sure the thermostat gasket is not leaking and making it look like the pump is bad. ??

Ronald
Ranch Hand Supply

HankC · Mar 20, 2006

Ron,

You're probably right to replace the whole pump. Could you PM me with the price for the pump and does it come with a gasket. Engine is a 395 pre-EPA 2003 year model.

Tx,
HankC

Egon · Mar 20, 2006

Just curious;

with the fan belt off can you wiggle the pulley indicating a bad bearing?

How bad is the leak, if only small wait awhile to see if it clears up.

If there is no shaft wiggle try some barrs leak type product and see if that helps.

A local shop may be able to rebuild if bearing and seals are generic.

Egon /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

HankC · Mar 20, 2006

Egon,

Good point. I found the leak Sunday (yesterday) and the temp was about 10 F. Much to cold for my old bones to be working outside, so I didn't pull the fan belt to check the bearing for play.

Did grease the pump and started the tractor for a few minutes and it appeared to stop leaking (it was just dripping slowly to begin with but sufficient to drain the coolant to below the tubes in the radiator overnight). Either this helped or the antifreeze drained to the point of leak.

Problem is that the tractor is in a remote area 150 miles from my house so I just can't jump outside to service it and we only go there on weekends (for now).

HankC

Egon · Mar 20, 2006

Sounds like you may be onto the problem. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gifSome seals/packing may dry out when not in use.

Check around for a water compatible grease [ Think NoBull Uses some on his track hoe ] and keep greaseing it a little at a time.

Long time since I saw a grease nipple on a water pump.

Egon

GuglioLS · Mar 20, 2006

( ..............First order of business was to do the thermostat mods that GuglioLS posted (great job Larry), as this tractor always ran cold.

Well this mod worked great warmed right up to 80C, first time the temp gage ever registered.
The next morning I was planning to do some log skidding but found that I had lost antifreeze. Looks like it's leaking around the front bearing of the water pump. I guess it didn't like the warmer temps. Is this coincidence or what?)

I hope its a coincidence, I would feel real bad if my suggested mod caused this /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Most likely it going to leak sooner or later anyway. I, and a few others have made the t-stat mod without any problems.

( .........................I would also want to replace the batteries and it looks like they would be difficult to replace/access without removing the cowling. I guess the biggest question is how do you get it over the steering column.........................

HankC)

CLICK HERE for a link to johns tractor site with a hood mod for those hard to get areas. I am sure your tractor is different than the one shown, however you will get the general idea of how it works and what it would take to do the same for yourself.

HankC · Mar 20, 2006

Hi Larry,

Not implying that your mod had anything to do with the leak.
**** what you did falls into the category of "borderline genius" for which I'm very grateful and pleased. Always botherd me having the tractor run so cold.
The leak is definitely a coincidence and your mod stays. I was sort of making a pun as the tractor never saw 80 deg C before.

As far as the hood/cowling mod on "johnstractor" site I have been looking at that for some time. Now perhaps is the time to do it if I'll be getting into replacing pumps, batteries etc.

Keep up the good work and hope you get your gearing all sorted out.

HankC

Pauly · Mar 21, 2006

I saw in the post that the water pump has a grease nipple on it??? never have seen one so I think I will look a little closer at the water pump area. I have a farmpro25hp..