Overheating problem

[benkapitanec]

I have owned a Mitsubishi MT180 for 20 years and have developed an overheating problem recently. It seem the tractor overheats doing the same work that it has been doing over the years. I've replaced the radiator cap thinking that the cap may be bad and she still overheats. I've thought of flushing the system but I suspect the problem to be a worn water pump, but I don't see any coolant leakage other than out the overflow hose. I assume this tractor has a water pump as well as a thermostat. Any one out there have any thoughts on this or has replaced these two items on their machine? Can water pumps be rebuilt? Cost on rebuilt v/s new?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[dadzilla]

First thing I would try is to hose the radiator out real good if you haven't already tried this. I had the same problem with my Beaver and know of several others as well that had same problem. When you are mowing in tall grass the little seeds get caught in the fins and the only way to see if there is anything there is to hold a trouble light behind it. Nothing to lose except a little time.

Rich

 

[alvanko]

Water pumps can be rebuilt . Before you do that , try to put a "trouble" light infront or behind the radiator fins. See how much light you can see through it. Pull the grill off and get a tooth pick and "blow gun" and clean out each and every fin. I would bet that fixes it. If not , start looking for other things like the ones you mentioned. A radiator and block flush wouldn't hurt . Give the tractor a treat and change the coolant with proper mix.

 

[BillRodgers]

Years of dealing with this problem has convinced me the best thing you can do is remove the radiator and have it professionally cleaned. As a previous post indicates the air passages trap dirt and seed and they are very hard to clean. It will be the best $40 or $50 you can spend and they can pressure test the radiator at the same time. I doubt the problem is the water pump but if you need one, I stock new pumps for most Mitsubishi tractors. Bill satohparts.com