BMXER10 said:
Since I bought it used a few months ago it has always run a bit hot. But the high humidy and temps here in Oklahoma are pushing it near the red. I was told by the previous owner that it ran hot since he bought it.
The deck definitely isnt putting a heavy load on the mower. I cleaned and regreased all of it last week, including more gear oil. The blades spun fine as well as the ujoint that connects to it.
I wont be mowing again until sunday and well see what happens.
OK gotcha, now we know some of the background, so, we can assume as someone already did, that the previous owner took out the stat.
True, when the humidity kicks in, it is tougher to cool something. Actually a bit of HVAC theory, you really don't cool anything, you remove heat from it.
So, in your case, your cooling system is supposed to be removing the heat, but is failing to do so adequately.
-First, double check that engine belt, they can appear tight enough, but if it is old, it can actually be glazed and slipping at high RPM. If in doubt, replace it, it's too easy and cheap, and is a regular wear item anyway. My Ford 1210 did this, it was the belt, in good condition, but stretched to it's max adjustment point, although touching it felt like it was tight enough.
-Also, give the fan a look over, is it plastic? is it slipping on it's fixture?
Does it look like the right size? With engine off, grab it and see if it slips, or is tight.
-Next , I'd prove you have water flowing, ie; fully operational water pump and do a complete exterior radiator cleaning. As has been suggested before, degreaser, cleaner, toothbrush, whatever it takes to get the exterior radiator fins good and clean, on both sides.
-Check for a hidden/clogged removeable/secondary screen?
-A radiator cap that doesn't seal all the way will lower your boiling point, so, consider replacing the cap if there is any sign of a bad seal.
-Find out if 50/50 is the right ratio for summer use?
I just checked my Kubota manual, it states
"the antifreeze mixing ratio must be less than 50%"
If you use 40% anti-freeze mix, your freezing point will still be about -12°F
-If all appears OK, I would get a cooling system Flush product at my local AutoParts store, follow the directions and do a complete flush and fill and stay lower than a 50% ratio, ... try 40% anti-freeze 60% water.
Flushing and changing coolant is just another Routine Maintenance item that should be done , mine calls for every 2 years.
Good Luck, when you find the problem and fix it, you will be smarter!
happens every time. let us know!
Edit: I just re-read and saw 1300 hours, yes, Flush that thing out, I bet you get gunk out of it.
While flushing you can do the water pump test, too.
