Need to clean mud/clay from tractor engine...

[bullebak]

Ready to refit the repaired radiator, but the amount of clay and dust is unbelievable. Had a go with a brush but too hard (and access too restricted). Really needs a clean first.

No access to garden hose where the tractor is.

Thanking of buying a pressure cleaner, my question is how much damage I can do with them? (Sure, will keep it away from the radiator)

What water pressure would be ok without ripping everything apart?

Also, the concreter called this morning threatening to come (to concrete the floor) within a couple of days, but won't be able to finish the tractor in time. Tractor is parked inside shed standing on rock dust.

I think it's safe to start the engine (cold) and drive it for a few metres (yards in your language) to park it outside the shed. Ideally like to drive it to where I have a water fire fighting tank and pump but which is 50 metres away. Could the engine block overheat over that distance? (Remember no cooling water inside).

Tony

 

[oosik]

Well, lets see. I would say that I'm sure the engine could overheat - and based upon any number of Murphy's laws it probably would. I would consider towing the tractor out to where you can get at it with the water from the firefighting tank. And to be on the safe side - I would set a pressure washer at no higher than what would come out of a normal hydrant - around 70 pounds pressure. I've seen a pressure washer strip the green paint right off a new JD tractor. Remember some of the bigger washers will go to 4000 psi and even higher.

 

[whis]

if your talking about moving it 50 yards without water it won't get hot

 

[2458n]

If you were here in the US I would say drive it up on a trailer and head to a car wash. I would use low pressure water and a good brand of liquid soap to help float the clay off the tractor. It will clean up okay just take your time on it.

 

[bullebak]

>>> drive it up on a trailer

No trailer here.

Well, I cleaned the radiator area manually, dropped the radiator in, connected hoses, filled with coolant, started engine, held breath... all fine .

Now I can drive it to the water tank/pump. Towing is dicey here without an extra person, all undulating land.

Want to set up my own 'tractor wash' near the big shed, to give it a hose down after any dusty working days. I like clean machinery. I have a 6.8KW generator on-site, so electric pressure washer should be fine. Yep, it doesn't need to be 3000 PSI... :laughing:

 

[skyhook]

Keep cold water off a warm injection pump, or your looking for trouble.

 

[bullebak]

Thanks for all the responses.

Was looking at an electric pressure cleaner, salesman told me I need pressured water supply. Static tank won't give enough output. Maybe a 30,000 rainwater tank with own pump will work?

Or am I told BS?