Gypsyjake488
New member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2018
- Messages
- 2
- Tractor
- KIOTI LK3054
Hello, I realize this thread is dated but I am having the same problem with my LK3054. Were you able to correct this overheating issue? Thanks in advance
LK 3054xs overheating
- Thread starter osumason
- Start date
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DieselBound
Elite Member
Only four things that can affect cooling:
1) Blockage of radiator (external or internal);
2) Closed thermostat;
3) Failed water pump;
4) Bad head gasket (would need to do a leak test here).
Rare that a diesel overheats without some rather serious reason.
Check upper and lower radiator hoses to determine if there's circulation happening (overflow tank can sometimes inform, though not as sure a test). If there's circulation then the thermostat is likely not, at least, fully closed. Water pump failures tend to result in audible cues (in most cases you'll see them leaking first; failures progress into the audible spectrum): check that the belt is properly engaging the WP pulley (tight and causes the pump [at least the outside] to turn.
Head gasket failures tend to produce over-pressure in the cooling system (overheating will come in to play as coolant gets pushed out). Common to find bubbles and, perhaps, combustion odors in the cooling system. Overheating itself can result in head gasket failure: if one overheats for some other reason, perhaps a blocked cooling system or low coolant, things that could be readily rectified, it then turns into a more costly resolution such as replacing the head gasket [along with whatever machine and head work might be required].
1) Blockage of radiator (external or internal);
2) Closed thermostat;
3) Failed water pump;
4) Bad head gasket (would need to do a leak test here).
Rare that a diesel overheats without some rather serious reason.
Check upper and lower radiator hoses to determine if there's circulation happening (overflow tank can sometimes inform, though not as sure a test). If there's circulation then the thermostat is likely not, at least, fully closed. Water pump failures tend to result in audible cues (in most cases you'll see them leaking first; failures progress into the audible spectrum): check that the belt is properly engaging the WP pulley (tight and causes the pump [at least the outside] to turn.
Head gasket failures tend to produce over-pressure in the cooling system (overheating will come in to play as coolant gets pushed out). Common to find bubbles and, perhaps, combustion odors in the cooling system. Overheating itself can result in head gasket failure: if one overheats for some other reason, perhaps a blocked cooling system or low coolant, things that could be readily rectified, it then turns into a more costly resolution such as replacing the head gasket [along with whatever machine and head work might be required].
ritcheyvs
Veteran Member
I would also include a dirty radiator (outside), low coolant level, or (in some engines) an air bubble that prevents coolant circulation.
Gypsyjake488
New member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2018
- Messages
- 2
- Tractor
- KIOTI LK3054
Thank you for the response. I suspect a head gasket, removed and cleaned radiator but did not have it steamed. Removed water pump and seems to be intact. Removed thermostat entirely for troubleshooting purposes.
Still the tractor runs fine about 15-20 minutes and then boils coolant out into resivior tank. I suppose there could be blockage in the radiator or cylinder jackets, having trouble diagnosing flow because the hoses don稚 appear to have much pressure but they do both get hot.
The tractor suffered freezing conditions without sufficient antifreeze unfortunately. No external leaks however.
Tomorrow I will try a couple bottles of radiator flush in the system and let it idle as long as possible. Any way to confirm a head gasket leak without buying exhaust gas detection kit??
Still the tractor runs fine about 15-20 minutes and then boils coolant out into resivior tank. I suppose there could be blockage in the radiator or cylinder jackets, having trouble diagnosing flow because the hoses don稚 appear to have much pressure but they do both get hot.
The tractor suffered freezing conditions without sufficient antifreeze unfortunately. No external leaks however.
Tomorrow I will try a couple bottles of radiator flush in the system and let it idle as long as possible. Any way to confirm a head gasket leak without buying exhaust gas detection kit??
DieselBound
Elite Member
If your upper and lower radiator hoses are roughly the same temperatures then I'd suspect a circulation issue. Perhaps using some compressed air (want to keep pressure down below 15 psi, perhaps 12 psi max).
As was mentioned (great addition!), one can get air pockets that essentially can act as blockages. Take a slow drip feed of coolant into the system with a high point open to help chase out air.
Repeated over-heating, however, can result in head gasket issues in which case it's possible that this is now also in the mix (not the primary cause). If you run the engine for a period of time a bad head gasket will tend to over-pressurize the cooling system (higher pressures from combustion chambers going in to lower pressure cooling system). There may be some detectable combustion residual in the cooling system, but perhaps not (w/o a detection kit). I bought and used a UVIEW 560000 Combustion Leak Tester kit for a truck that I suspected as having a bad head gasket (confirmed)- I think it's a good kit: about $54 from Amazon.
As was mentioned (great addition!), one can get air pockets that essentially can act as blockages. Take a slow drip feed of coolant into the system with a high point open to help chase out air.
Repeated over-heating, however, can result in head gasket issues in which case it's possible that this is now also in the mix (not the primary cause). If you run the engine for a period of time a bad head gasket will tend to over-pressurize the cooling system (higher pressures from combustion chambers going in to lower pressure cooling system). There may be some detectable combustion residual in the cooling system, but perhaps not (w/o a detection kit). I bought and used a UVIEW 560000 Combustion Leak Tester kit for a truck that I suspected as having a bad head gasket (confirmed)- I think it's a good kit: about $54 from Amazon.