Losing coolant in my B21.

sparkkky · May 24, 2005

Seems my B21 is leaking out the overflow hose. Does it need a new radiator cap?

Bird · May 25, 2005

Does that B21 have a coolant recovery jug? I know my B7100 did not, but my B2710 did. IF there is no recovery jug and you fill the radiator to the top, the coolant will expand as it warms and will push the surplus out the overflow tube. When it cools, it will contract and leave an air space at the top of the radiator. So, whether or not you need a new radiator cap depends on whether or not you have a coolant recovery jug and/or how full you are filling the radiator.

sparkkky · May 25, 2005

There is no jug and it seems to loose about a forth of a gallon everyday I use it, I can see it coming out the overflow.

It does not even hold a gallon, so is it right that it gets that low?

Bird · May 25, 2005

It's hard to say without seeing it, but after the tractor has been used for quite some time, then you shut it off, it might still lose a little more because of the rise in heat when you first shut it down. Then when the engine is cold, remove the cap (never remove the cap when the engine's hot) and you should be able to see the coolant a couple of inches below the top. If you do not add any, it should lose little, if any, the next time you use it, and of course, it should not overheat. If it's overheating, then something definitely needs to be done. And you should be able to find a mechanic who has a radiator cap tester to check to see if it's holding the proper pressue.

MarkV · May 26, 2005

Is the tractor running hot based on the gauge reading? Does it happen all the time or only when you are doing certain types of work? I ask because my B21 never gets the temp gauge more than a quarter of the way off of cold, except when I use a rotary mower or the tiller. The tiller just works the darn thing hard in our clay. The mower will build up vegetation on the radiator screens, both outside and the inner screen, which will raise the temp if not cleaned.

MarkV