Temp sending unit vs Temp gauge?

[mswlogo]

On my B2320 the temp gauge has been reading very low for a long time.

Finally I decided it was time to fix it.

9 times out of 10 it's the sending unit.

I shorted the lead to ground going to the gauge (at the sending unit) and it pegged the meter.

So I ordered a new sending unit.

I ordered one on ebay. It was listed as OEM.

When I got it, the OEM packaging was restapled

and it looked like sealant was on the threads and then removed by threading it in.

It was not worth bitching about, especially if it worked.

I installed and it does the exact same thing.

After running the tractor for 20 minutes, moderate use on a cool 50F day. It just barely gets off the Cold mark.

Should I try another sending unit? Or look into replacing the gauge.

I really want to be sure it's the gauge becore pulling apart the dashboard.

The engine doesn't seem very hot. Is it possibly a thermostat stuck open? and really running that cool.

 

[/pine]

FWIW...My B1700 runs very cool...when I first got it I also thought there was a problem with either the sending unit or the gauge...did the same as you...replaced the sending unit...same results...
So...I hooked up the old (uninstalled) sending unit to the gauge and grounded the base...then with a grill lighter I started to warm the unit...the gauge and the old unit worked fine...The tractor just runs cool...

 

[handymantim]

Put an ohmmeter on the sending unit(s). Unfortunately, I don't know the exact numbers for your sending unit but IN GENERAL, at room temp the ohms should be several hundred (or more) and in a pot of boiling water should be around 30-ish. If you know the manufacturer of your sending unit, an internet search should give you exact numbers.

 

[herringchoker]

These engines run cool. Normally my B7800's gauge reads at the top of the C. Early on I even changed the thermostat - no difference. To get any heat in my cab in the winter, I replace the radiator screen with a corrugated plastic sheet with a 6" square hole cut in the centre of it. If the grille and/or rad screen start to plug up with chaff when weed cutting, it starts to rise above the C, so I stop and clean them. The only time the gauge went towards H was when I forgot to remove the winter front before the summer weed cutting.

 

[George2615]

If true and those engines run cool can you replace the thermostat with a higher temp one. Not sure what stat is in yours but if its a 160 deg. go to a 180, if 180 go to 195. Or do as herringchoker does and block off part of the radiator.

 

[mswlogo]

It's been so long that it has read low that I forget if it ever read higher.
I could swear it did read higher at one point, but now I'm not so sure.
I might be mixing it up with the bx I traded in.

I don't care if it runs warmer, I don't need heat. Just want to monitor that it's running normal.
And verify it's running at a healthy temperature.

I'll try to measure actual temp with an independent method.

 

[/pine]

It's been so long that it has read low that I forget if it ever read higher.
I could swear it did read higher at one point, but now I'm not so sure.
I might be mixing it up with the bx I traded in.

I don't care if it runs warmer, I don't need heat. Just want to monitor that it's running normal.
And verify it's running at a healthy temperature.

I'll try to measure actual temp with an independent method.

FWIW...
For about $20 at any most auto parts stores you can get a mechanical temp gauge (easily tested) and install it on any water jacket port or the original sending unit port...I'm sure they make them with common metric threads...

 

[varmint]

When I had my B8200, I added a set of gauges bought online for under $20- oil pressure, coolant temp and voltmeter. The oil and coolant worked with mechanical tubes to the engine, and the kit came with metric adaptors, so installing was easy. They always seemed to work as they should, so I was happy. Steam era technology.

 

[LD1]

Kubotas run cool. Just how they are. Unless you are doing some heavy tilling or brush mowing, the needle will hardly move.

 

[The Fred]

I wouldn't want it to run any less than 160, engine wear is accelerated when they run too cool.

Can you check the block temp with an infrared gun so you have some idea? Some DVOM meters have a temp probe thermcouple built in that can be tucked into the radiator hose where it connects to the block to give you some idea also.

My L3940 runs 180 minimum unless it's a hot day and I am beating it badly.

Regards, Fred