My 425 fan failed!!

pequeajim · Apr 22, 2005

I checked out the fan today and it must be toast. What did you do, make a custom fan attachment for your tractor? I will have to take a trip to pep boys or something to see what I can find.

I wonder how much I can run this thing without the fan running?

I know there is a discussion going on about oil temperature. I think if it is over 200, I'm probably risking it?

J_J · Apr 22, 2005

Call Terry and get a price first. They might sell only the motor.

Those fans are expensive if you buy new. I would go to a junk yard and pull the size fan you desire.

You might only have to switch the motors. Check it out before you leave the junk yard.

Clarke · Apr 23, 2005

Isn't your tractor still under warranty

sg

pequeajim · Apr 23, 2005

Yes, it is so I can get a replacement from Terry. I was just wondering what I can do right away.

I'll call him.

Jim!

tracdoc · Apr 23, 2005

Is there some intrinsic fault with the fan set-up in these PT's?

Seems like we've heard of a number of failures. It may be that the fan was the primary problem in Pequeajim's unit, and that caused the fuse to blow. The new fuse just sat there unaffected since the motor was now toast.

Getting a replacement fan under warranty is small consolation if these fans are inherently flawed. Do we need to upgrade to beefier fan motors, or is there some flaw with the current circuitry?

pequeajim · Apr 23, 2005

( Do we need to upgrade to beefier fan motors, or is there some flaw with the current circuitry? )

I will call Terry and tell him about it. After all, our feedback is important for them to make the product better, however, I have read some posts about some fan problems and will investigate putting a stronger fan on the tractor. I am also thinking about putting a better cage over the fan as well as the plastic one that comes with the fan is IMHO not quite as strong as I would like it to be. I can see a big branch going through that into my cooling radiator!

So, I will be hitting the junkyard tomorrow to see what I can pilfer from a wreck or two.

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

pequeajim · Apr 23, 2005

I went out an cut some grass today without the fan running. I don't know if you guys have used a 425 without it running, especially when cutting grass? I happen to have an IR temp gun and checked it every 5 minutes at the side of the tank and the PTO pump (I assume that is the PTO over my right foot?).

I let the temp get to 160 degrees and I stopped. I will let it cool down again and then finish the little bit I have left.

What temp is dangerous? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Gravy · Apr 23, 2005

I'd guess you might do better to check the temp at the temp switch by the cooler.

Since it's engine oil, I wouldn't worry at all unless the temp went over 230F. Engine oil needs to go over 212F just to boil off the water. That's why short trips are hard on your car engine.

If you get a different fan motor, be sure the amperage draw isn't much more than the original, or add an isolation relay. You don't want to fry your wiring, switches, fusebox, etc... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Gravy

tracdoc · Apr 23, 2005

( What temp is dangerous? )

I would agree w/ Gravy on the temp +/-. Conventional motor oil, like we are running in our hydraulics, is not significantly adversely affected at temps up to 275 F. Much over 300 F these oils begin to show evidence of breakdown. I recall FOURTEEN reporting that he used his wife's candy thermometer to check the oil temp on his, and it was running 180-190 depending on ambient temp {HERE}

The PT-180 does not have an oil cooler, and I would think it does a proportionate workload for its size. I wonder what temps its hydraulic oil reaches...