Overheating JD 3046r

[Frank Ray Jr]

My 2015 JD 3046r is overheating. The engine oil level is fine. The oil is clean and clear. The reservoir level is good. The antifreeze is clean and the radiator is full. The tractor is running perfectly but overheats within minutes of use. I have replaced the thermostat. No luck. The hoses don't really seem hot enough for the tractor to actually be overheating but I can smell radiator fluid when the dummy light comes on. I've pinched the radiator hoses and there does seem to be flow but when the light is on I can still open the radiator cap without the usual explosion. What the heck, can anyone help? Could there be something going on with the hydraulic cooler? My implements seem to be working fine.

 

[beenthere]

:welcome: to TBN

What is the condition or history of the radiator for good flow of air through it from the fan? Been cleaning it with a water hose? or blowing it out with air to clean?

 

[Turbys_1700]

Water pump?

 

[kthompson]

Belt slipping? May sound strange but air restriction to the engine can also cause engine to run hot. Check air filter and air intake for insect nest. Use a hand help infrared thermometer and check the temps all over the radiator and water hose, pump and even the engine. Clogs in radiator will be cooler than where coolant is flowing properly.

 

[Frank Ray Jr]

Radiator is spotless. I blewout the outer air filter but it was very clean. The inner air filter was spotless. No restriction on the air intake that I can find. This business is driving me crazy! Say a prayer if you will. I just paid $30,000 for this machine and have very little left for a big repair. I can't imagine that it's an engine issue as it was like a brand new one when I got it and has barely ever been above 1500 rpms since. Only has 141 hours.

 

[Frank Ray Jr]

I started the engine with the radiator cap off and the level dropped so I'm thinking the pumps okay. Also I pinched the hose coming from the pump and it felt like there was flow through the hose. I hope it's not the pump. Just priced one at $550 and not sure that I can do the labor. Also the dealer says he's not even sure how to get one, that his system didn't show a link to the part.

 

[Turbys_1700]

I am certain that a water pump is available for a 3 year old tractor. If that is the issue you will probably have to get it from a dealer. I would not think it is that difficult to install. Perhaps find a good local mechanic that can do it or use your dealer. How many hours on the machine?

 

[Frank Ray Jr]

The tractor is running fine but you may be right. It may be a restriction on the air intake. When I started the engine on the day this issue started a mouse crawled out onto the frame of my tractor from the engine compartment. I've cleaned the outer filter and it was only slightly dirty. The inner filter was spotless. After examining further, I see that there is absolutely nothing restricting a mouse from crawling into the intake housing. I suppose I'll tear into that next. This outfit has what looks to be a heat exchanger on the intake. Not sure how the thing works but as I say there is no screen over the air intake and it looks like a mouse could have crawled into that thing just as easily. Shame on John Deere for not screening the intake. A twenty cent piece of wire mesh could have saved me a huge headache. Geezers, are not all tractors susceptible to rodents.
Cross your fingers and pray with me brother that this is the simpler fix. A water pump is $550 and I'm not certain that I can do the labor on that. (Not that I believe that is the issue). Thanks brother.

 

[Frank Ray Jr]

The dealer was a rather large dealership but had no link for ordering the part. Your right, it doesn't seem to be a monstrousjob to install a new pump, for most folks anyway but I have limited range of motion in my arms. Chronic Lyme disease has taken a toll.
My tractor only has 141 hours so I'm hoping it is something else. Thanks for the input and by all means keep the ticks off, this has been miserable.

 

[oldtimer 66]

A couple of things. Maybe it has something to do with the Tier IV emissions, regen cycle. I am not familiar with that so maybe somebody on this web site is and can respond. Before you change the water pump and if it is a cab model you could check your heater for operation. limited or no coolant flow would affect the heater output. You probably have a aluminum finned radiator and you do not want to use shop air, 90 PSI to blow out the radiator. You can easily bend the fins over and restrict the air flow and ruin the radiator. I use my shop vacuum, lots of volume but limited pressure , in both directions. My JD tractor air intake is inside the front hood area that is screened and sealed and not open directly to the atmosphere. If the hood is opened then the air intake is exposed to the surroundings. I think your tractor is of the same design. But I am not saying that it is completely rodent proof either. Later.