TC33D Possible heating issue

[Lab Guy]

I have TC33d with about 600 hours on it. I had not run it for sometime since it needed some other repairs, but once I did, I noted that the temperature gauge gradually reaches up to the 3/4 mark just beneath the 3/4 white mark. It is still in the green zone but too close to the red zone for my comfort.

So far, I've cleaned the radiator of debris, replaced the radiator cap, put a new thermostat (I'm certain the old one had never been replaced). The radiator has enough coolant which was flushed a couple years ago during some other servicing.

I do not hear any odd noises coming from the water pump while running. No white smoke or other to indicate a gasket leak. I'm able to run it at 2000 rpm while cutting with a 5 foot wide rear cutter.

It never went into the red zone with the old thermostat and does not with the new thermostat but it makes me uncomfortable seeing it so close. I seem to recall that it would usually stabilize around the halfway mark on the temp gauge whether a hot summer day or a cooler winter or fall day.

The only other two things I think of are the temperature sending unit or an erroneous reading on the temp gauge.

Any suggestions?

 

[BarnStangz]

I find it hard to believe that a tractor with only 600 hours on it would need a new thermostat... Did you flush all the coolant out of the block...? If you have the proper amount of coolant, a working thermostat, no leaks and a good water pump you should have cooling... Fan belt tight? I like your idea about the gauge not working correctly. You might want to see if that can be replaced, or maybe check the temp with another gauge, a known working one.

 

[Lab Guy]

Thanks for the input. It was not a bad thing to replace the thermostat since it is probably the original that came with it though I could have done without that expense.

As I said, the cooling system was flushed and fresh coolant put in a couple years ago.

 

[Halftrack]

Just ran my TC33D for an hour and half mowing in 75 degree weather and checked it with an infrared temp probe and hottest spot was the top of the water pump at 181. Gauge was at middle white mark.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I have TC33d with about 600 hours on it. I had not run it for sometime since it needed some other repairs, but once I did, I noted that the temperature gauge gradually reaches up to the 3/4 mark just beneath the 3/4 white mark. It is still in the green zone but too close to the red zone for my comfort.

So far, I've cleaned the radiator of debris, replaced the radiator cap, put a new thermostat (I'm certain the old one had never been replaced). The radiator has enough coolant which was flushed a couple years ago during some other servicing.

I do not hear any odd noises coming from the water pump while running. No white smoke or other to indicate a gasket leak. I'm able to run it at 2000 rpm while cutting with a 5 foot wide rear cutter.

It never went into the red zone with the old thermostat and does not with the new thermostat but it makes me uncomfortable seeing it so close. I seem to recall that it would usually stabilize around the halfway mark on the temp gauge whether a hot summer day or a cooler winter or fall day.

The only other two things I think of are the temperature sending unit or an erroneous reading on the temp gauge.

Any suggestions?

Check your air filter. If it's restricted your Fuel/Air ratios will be high and hence the peak combustion temperatures will be hotter than normal and your horsepower will be down.

 

[Lab Guy]

I replaced the water pump and hoses on it last month. The water pump finally gave out, but may have been leaking since I was having to put coolant (50/50) in it fairly often. But I did find keeping the radiator clean does help somewhat. I also had an issue with the hydraulic oil leaking at the hose clamp connections, so oil was getting on the radiator.

I've also been checking the air filter after each use.

 

[WM75Guy]

My TC40DA runs in the upper green area with normal operation, even without a load on the engine. I run it at 2000 RPMs for loader work, 2600 is PTO speed.

 

[Lab Guy]

I've noticed my TC33D seems to hit the halfway mark more or less. I had one hot day over year ago where it was almost redlining which concerned me.

I've had some cool January days here in South Texas, so it does hit the midway mark consistently. I believe the motor is Japanese made, so it's like my Rogue and Altima where you can always count on it to hit the same mark once it reaches operating temperature.

 

[lman]

I have a NH 1530, which is an older but similar model and the temperature gauge stopped working a couple of years ago. I keep the radiator clean and flushed the radiator so I know it is not overheating. I have not figured out why it stopped working. One of these days I will try to analyze it. I'm afraid it will be costly if I need to replace the gauge. The tractor has about 1500 hours and has been pretty reliable. Any ideas?

 

[Lab Guy]

I have a NH 1530, which is an older but similar model and the temperature gauge stopped working a couple of years ago. I keep the radiator clean and flushed the radiator so I know it is not overheating. I have not figured out why it stopped working. One of these days I will try to analyze it. I'm afraid it will be costly if I need to replace the gauge. The tractor has about 1500 hours and has been pretty reliable. Any ideas?

I have to tap on my gauges. According to my service manual, there is a simple resistance test one can use with a multi-meter to check the 'wellness' of the gauge. I can't say I would risk not having a gauge if I could help it. I always hated the 'idiot' light on cars instead of an honest to goodness gauge.