Temp question

   / Temp question #1  

Cbrown9064

Silver Member
Joined
May 3, 2013
Messages
153
Location
Nevis, MN
Tractor
Ford 861
On the 861, the temp rises to the red zone on the gauge, then falls to the low end of the green when the stat opens. Once the tractor is good and warm or if you are working it, the temp stays in the green. I did drain and refill the anti freeze yesterday. Noticed that there was no pressure in the rad. Wondering if the cap is bad and the system is not building pressure hence the wacky readings on the gauge?
 
   / Temp question #2  
My first guess is that you have a sticking thermostat and need to replace it. My 850 does the same thing but doesn't get into the red. Just runs up higher than normal and them drops back down. Might do it a couple of times in a row then stabilize in the normal range. Yours is showing extreme swings and needs attention. Low coolant will cause similar problems.
No pressure could indicate a bad radiator cap.
 
   / Temp question #3  
Yep. My guess is sticking t-stat too.

No pressure in the radiator........how long after it was ran did you open the cap?? They wont hold pressure for long. So if this was an hour after shutdown/cooldown, that is normal. IF immediately after shut down (after you got it good and warm) and there was no pressure, then it is the cap IF you have no leaks.
 
   / Temp question
  • Thread Starter
#4  
Yes, was immediately after running and tractor was up to temp. No leaks. Cap on order, but suppose I should get a stat also. My manuals are at the lake, but is 160 degrees the correct stat? Any thoughts on parts sourcing the stat like there is with ignition parts (no Tisco, etc...)?
 
Last edited:
   / Temp question #5  
Give NAPA a call. Should be a standard thermostat. All they need is the model number of your tractor and 160 deg. to 180 deg. will work fine. I would pull your grill and wash out our radiator fins. You would be surprised at how much crud gets in those fins.
 
   / Temp question
  • Thread Starter
#6  
Give NAPA a call. Should be a standard thermostat. All they need is the model number of your tractor and 160 deg. to 180 deg. will work fine. I would pull your grill and wash out our radiator fins. You would be surprised at how much crud gets in those fins.

Roger that on the NAPA call. I have cleaned the radiator and grill out already earlier this fall.
 
   / Temp question #7  
deffinately repalce the thermostat, and clean rad and repalce the cap.

cheap items. then you can diagnose from there.
 

Tractor & Equipment Auctions

Miller Dimension 452 Welding Machine (A53117)
Miller Dimension...
2010 John Deere 200 Crumbler Seedbed Finisher (A53117)
2010 John Deere...
2005 Sterling Acterra Tender Truck (A53473)
2005 Sterling...
UNUSED CFG INDUSTRIAL H15R EXCAVATOR (A52706)
UNUSED CFG...
Tires (A50322)
Tires (A50322)
2017 FREIGHTLINER CORONADO SD122 DAY CAB (A54313)
2017 FREIGHTLINER...
 
Top