Opinions Requested

[Roto]

I really hope that it is a cooling problem. Let me ask this. Since it stays cool in winter I assume its not something simple like a stuck thermostat. But wouldnt it get warm if it was having a flow problem in winter too? I plan on flushing it anyway so you are saying drain radiator and stick hose in top of radiator while taking off bottom hose and see if it will flow through as fast as it goes in? If it doesnt what product is best to clean inside of radiator? Also how can i tell if pump is working right? i still think it should run hot in winter if there is a problem. That silo-engine cool will be ok for my tractor correct? Thanks!

mike

 

[Soundguy]

We've run the silo engine cool in our heavy equipment diesels for years with no problems.

Yep.. you got the right idea on the flow test. As for a flush? Not sure.. I've never had luck with OTC flush products. Usually when a radiator won't flow.. I pull it and send it in for a boil out or rodding.

Water pump?.. well the bottom line is the suction.. add some water from a bucket intot he top hose as a 'prime' and stick the bottom hose in a bucket and crank the engine over and see if you get some dribble/flow at the top hose from starter rpm.. you should..

I'm not sure where you are.. but even here in florida.. winter to summer ambient outside temps can vary from 40' to 95'.. that a spread of 55' that might be enough to push a marginal system over the edge... I'd think a stuck open thermostat would run cold, and not come up to temp..and stuck closed would make a lotta steam in a short amount of time...

Ya might have a bad gauge too!

Soundguy

 

[Roto]

Well Im quite sure the guage is fine. This is a gas tractor in case that make any difference on your answers. I am in Maine where it runs from 40 below to 100 degrees out so you never know what your gonna get here hehe. Getting that radiater done professionally might be a good idea huh?
I also want to flush and clean my oil cooler too. That would be done diffently with different cleaning product i would imagine.

Mike

 

[have_blue]

TNHobbyFarmer,

I think oils are so much better now than when turbos used to fail a lot, you can get away with more abuse. Having said that, I would definitely follow the manual. It's cheap insurance, and you can do a walk-around while it's cooling.