Overheating

[Judy_in_NC]

Clogged radiator fins for sure. Not to rain on your parade, but that really isn't a warranty issue as nothing has failed. This is a common occurence when mowing, but generally it isn't so hard to clean out.

Thank you so much for your replies.

This is just what I had told the dealer - that I didn't think my problem was related to the trouble he said some of the larger tractors had. He said on those they have had to install a dropped plate to put the battery on so that it didn't block so much of the radiator. But I told him - my trouble didn't start until after the mowing, so I didn't think it was going to be a warranty issue.

I have been so pleased with this tractor. I got a backhoe with it, and a FEL. It has helped with so many projects just in the months we have had it.

Back to the radiator - is it likely to be needed, or would it be more helpful to REMOVE the radiator when trying to get this debree out of it?

One other question (sorry if I should have asked this in a separate post). I am not working the tractor anymore since this problem came up, until I can get it rectified. But I do start it up once a week or so, and just drive it around for several minutes. Now when I start it up, there is just a VERY brief puff of smoke upon startup - it never did that before the overheating issue. Has something likely been damaged; and what would cause this. I have been told before that just a brief bit of smoke like that is nothing to worry about, but since it didn't do it before, I'd like to find out what might cause it.

Thanks again, for your very helpful response.

Judy in NC

 

[Judy_in_NC]

I almost forgot ! Here is a quick and safe way to tell if you have your radiator nice and clean . With the engine running, place a shop towel against the outside fins of the radiator . The suction of the fan should keep the towel in place ,showing you the fins are clean and the fan is working correctly . If it falls to the bottom it means the radiator fan is not pulling or the air is being sucked in from around the sides of the radiator instead of through it and you still have a problem .

Thank you so much for this tip! - I will give it a try. (After I do the cleaning from the correct side! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Judy in NC

 

[Judy_in_NC]

By washing from the front you are just ramming the bits and pieces further into the fins . Most new tractor( compact )radiators are built with a automotive style radiator core ,usually 3 or 4 rolls thick . The fins are much closer together . The Tractor manufacture does this because these radiators, when not plugged up ,cool much better than the straight fin core style .This new style is also much smaller because of the cooling capabilities it can perform , when clean and in proper working order .They are also cheaper to produce . Try to use air pressure set at about 50 to 60 pounds and keep the nozzle back aways a little .

That sheds a lot of light on this. I knew the gentleman who helped me was very knowledgable - but I guess didn't know about the newer type radiators.

Is it likely I have compacted things so much that I'll need to remove the radiator to give it a thorough cleaning now? If so, are there any special tips to know to do this right?

I keep the tractor at a separate property where we are preparing to build a new home (which is about 45 minutes from where I currently live). I am eager to get to it and give your advice a try.

Judy in NC

 

[Judy_in_NC]

I would also discuss your expectations on this being a warranty issue, with your dealer. I'm not aware of the 3510 having an issue with overheating, with regard to battery placement, but any tractor will overheat if the radiator becomes clogged.

That is what I told the dealer when he asked me to bring it in - that I didn't think this was going to be a warranty issue. I wasn't eager to tow it so far only to find out it was something I could/should have taken care of myself.

Thank you so much for your helpful advice.

Judy in NC

 

[mike45tx]

Judy, My 3510 runs just under half way by the temp guage.It does not seem to matter what I'm doing (shredding,blading,fel work).It is still pretty warm down here in south Texas. That tire price is about the same down here. Better replace it with the same load range tire, or you might have problems down the road.

Mike

 

[BigAl]

Hi Judy ,
I would be surprized if you needed to pull the radiator to clean the fins .
Try to always clean the radiator without using water and when the raditor is dry . If you ever took a core apart you would notice that the fins have little louvers in them for better cooling . If you do not do a good cleaning job ,once you use water on a dirty radiator, the dirt turns to mud , the mud gets in the louvers, dries and then you lose even more cooling ability . Mud is much harder to remove than dust !
If this happens the best solution I know of is to soak the raditor with a water hose then after waitng a few minutes for the "locked in dirt" to turn back to mud air blow it from the fan side . Follow this by rinsing the radiator until the water runs clear on the other side .
I do wash off my radiator but only after I have air cleaned it first from the fan side .
As far as the puff of smoke when starting , What color is the smoke? Blue smoke equals engine oil bypass which is not good , White smoke can be unburned fuel , and black can be dirty injectors . Most diesels I see puff or smoke a little black until they warm up . I do not think you have a problem and this is normal unless the engine starts running rough or it runs at a high temperature without a load on it .
Good luck.
BigAl

 

[thegreatrandini]

Don't get mad but between your tractor, your truck, and your trailer you seem to be a very high maintenance woman!!!

 

[rback33]

*LMAO* And they say puns are the lowest form of humor..... but dang it if they aren't usually the best form... /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[JimR]

Judy, Try air pressure to blow the debris out of the radiator fins from the backside of course. If that fails, you may need to pull the radiator and use a narrow piece of plastic or other stiff material to to slide between the fins to clean them out.

 

[BigAl]

IF it gets to the point that she needs to pull the radiator , I think she would be much better off to take it to a local radiator shop and have it "boiled out". It should cost between $30 and $40 dollars and will be a professional job .
One puncture in a tube ,trying to clean it herself, will cost a lot more than the cost of a "boil out", charged by a professional .
They can also check it for "GPM coolant flow" while she is there to make sure the tubes are not plugged . This is usually a free service.
Big Al