LOW COOLANT WARNING

[trgo]

After engine start I get a low coolant indication on my Ford 1920 (Shibura) 4 cyl diesel.
After the engine warms up, the low coolant light eventually goes out.
The coolant level in the radiator appears to be normal, when cold, with some still remaining in the recovery tank.
I have been told that the reason for this low coolant warning may be that the coolant recovery vacuum tube is plugged, or partially plugged.
Has anyone else experienced this problem? I will disconnect the coolant recovery line, and check for blockage.
I am 1500 miles away from the tractor for the winter though, so cannot check that line until I return North in the Spring.
I was told a story of an engine failure (broke a rod) apparently caused by this very issue. I don't really understand how that could be, without a high temperature reading also. Perhaps that owner did not notice the high temp, or the temp indicator was not working.
I just bought my 1988 Ford 1920 FEL (1055 hours), last month, from a woman horse owner, who did not seem to know the difference between a wheel bearing and a muffler bearing (joke)..
Tractor is in excellent condition, with very low hours, but has obviously received minimal mechanical attention.

 

[BarnieTrk]

trgo,

I had a lit low coolant warning light with my 1989 1720 when I bought it. The problem turned out to be simply a low coolant level in the recovery tank. Once I added coolant up to the cold level mark on the tank, the light went out an hasn't re-lit since. I'd suggest you check the coolant level in the tank....

BarnieTrk :drink:

 

[trgo]

That, of course is exactly how the low coolant warning system is supposed to work.
In my case the coolant recovery tank appeared to be in the normal range, but the low coolant light was on when running the tractor.
After the tractor had warmed up, the low coolant light went out (expansion of course).
I am going to check out the coolant recovery hose for blockage, but on a 26 year old tractor, I am also going to replace the thermostat with an 88C , and the 13psi radiator cap.
I have ordered both.

 

[BarnieTrk]

trgo,
I was only sharing what had been the corrective action with my low coolant warning light being lit.......If I offended you, I'm sorry. :confused3:

Do you plan to flush/change the coolant (& add a SCA) when you change out the thermostat and radiator cap?

BarnieTrk :steeringwheel:

 

[trgo]

Barnie Trk,
**** no!
I am NOT OFFENDED at all!
I am just OLD !
I will change the coolant ( I am going to change ALL fluids and filters).
SCA? That is? .... (coolant additive?)

 

[BarnieTrk]

Barnie Trk,
SCA? That is? .... (coolant additive?)

Yes Sir. :drink:
This is what I added to my diesel-powered FORD 1720 coolant system: Cool Tec

In case someone may want to know more, here is a short bit on SCAs: http://penray.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/98.003.pdf

BarnieTrk :steeringwheel:

 

[trgo]

I DUNNO !
I have had several diesel vehicles, but have never added a coolant additive.
I could not get that Cool Tec link to work, but suspect it is written by the folks who make Cool Tec. (not exactly impartial)
How would anyone know if the stuff really provides any benefit? It is available on Amazon for $5.72
I do use "Stanadyne Performance Formula" diesel fuel additive.
I don't know if that really offers any benefit either.

 

[BarnieTrk]

I could not get that Cool Tec link to work, but suspect it is written by the folks who make Cool Tec. (not exactly impartial)

trgo,

Maybe this link will work for ya: Cool Tec

Regarding whether or not "...the stuff really provides any benefit" is CLAIMED to be determined by a few factors; including 'How often do you change your coolant'; and, 'What type of antifreeze/coolant do you use'. Back in the day, there was practically only one type of anti-freeze - the green ethylene glycol-based coolant. Nowadays, there are many different types to choose from and they provide different benefits.

Personally, I look at it this way: Coolant is expensive. This additive is not so much. If I can extend the life of my coolant AND maybe provide some added protection to my engine - I'll give it a go.
Kinda like using distilled water to mix with your coolant. I used tap water for years....but now I use distilled water. I change my coolant less often and I think my water has gotten more Iron & other minerals in it that may mess with the chemistry of these new fangled coolants. They tell me to use distilled water, no biggie, I can do that.


Fuel Additives:
Similarly, the components that make up today's diesel fuel is not the same as when your '88 and my '89 tractors were manufactured; namely less sulfur for one. Then when someone we think is a "knowledgeable person" makes a claim that we should be adding this or that to our fuel to protect or extend the life of our engine, we tend to, "give it a go".

There are a few diesel mechanics at my work. A couple of them have 30+yrs of experience each with big and little diesel engines. They direct us to use coolant additives, diesel fuel additives, and yes, motor oil additives when these fluids get changed out. Based on their expertise & advise, I follow their lead and do as they say with my own equipment. So, yes, I also add an additive to my coolant, my diesel fuel and my motor oil.

I use two types of diesel fuel additive at the recommended dosages.
Here is a link to the warm weather additive: Diesel Kleen +Cetane Boost | Power Service
Here is the link to the winter weather (less than 30*F) additive: Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost | Power Service

"Your mileage may vary" ..... in other words, "Try it, you may like it."
BarnieTrk :steeringwheel:

 

[MIkeWard]

After engine start I get a low coolant indication on my Ford 1920 (Shibura) 4 cyl diesel.
After the engine warms up, the low coolant light eventually goes out.
The coolant level in the radiator appears to be normal, when cold, with some still remaining in the recovery tank.
I have been told that the reason for this low coolant warning may be that the coolant recovery vacuum tube is plugged, or partially plugged.

I have the same problem.
I read somewhere on this site that Ford discontinued this warning light because of the light not working correctly

My light goes off sometimes when the coolant recovery container is full. I took a long screwdriver and carefully stirred up the bottom of the coolant container and tapped the plunger at the bottom a few times. The light went out and everything worked correctly for months till I had to do it again

Mike

 

[trgo]

I have the same problem.
I read somewhere on this site that Ford discontinued this warning light because of the light not working correctly

My light goes off sometimes when the coolant recovery container is full. I took a long screwdriver and carefully stirred up the bottom of the coolant container and tapped the plunger at the bottom a few times. The light went out and everything worked correctly for months till I had to do it again

Mike

When I get back to the tractor in the Spring, I will do some things that hopefully, will correct the problem.
I will flush the cooling system, replace the thermostat (I have a new - high temp- 88*C -190*F- thermostat), replace the radiator cap (13 psi cap), remove and clean the coolant recovery tank, clean the low coolant warning sender. check the coolant recovery hose for blockage, inspect connections to the low coolant warning light, and fill the system with new coolant.
I am thinking that somewhere in that list the problem will likely be resolved.