Radiator leak on my 5225

Creekpaddler · Sep 23, 2013

I was bushhogging last Saturday when I noticed that the needle on the temperature gauge was quickly moving to the red zone. Inspection shows that the radiator has a leak just above the pipe which connects to the lower radiator hose. I was hoping that the leak was at the clamp or in the hose, but that doesn't seem to be the problem.

So I'm planning to pull the radiator. I can't keep coolant in it now - I tested with water and it just flows out of the radiator.

Has anyone had experience with troubleshooting a busted radiator?

Creekpaddler · Sep 26, 2013

When I removed the radiator yesterday, I found the problem. The bottom surface of it was heavily abraded where it contacts the neoprene-foam deflector which is attached to the engine deck. Something abrasive (sand) must have worked its way between the radiator and the deflector and wore out the plastic under the fitting for the lower radiator hose. That started before I bought the tractor 3 years ago. I'd found plenty of sand in many places under the frame, so I know that it had been buried before I bought it. Solution: a new radiator for $403! I'll replace the deflector, too.

Creekpaddler · Sep 30, 2013

My JD dealer got my new radiator in less than 2 days and I installed it last Saturday. I rinsed it out, installed the hoses and tank, and filled it with a 50/50 mix of FleetGuard heavy-duty coolant (red) and distilled water. No leaks so far. I haven't started the engine yet - just ran out of time yesterday. :cool2: