The Foton has Landed: FT254 in Sweden

[traktorz]

3. Kero or diesel for the injection pump (it's small, but you need to flush out any residual metal shavings)
//greg//

I'm a bit confused by this statement, since I think that our Foton Europard 404 (tractor) equipped with the C490BT (engine) doesn't need any extra oil for the injection pump. I still think it's using oil from the main diesel engine, but I'm not sure. Never the less, if I find a way of rinsing the injection pump, I'll do so at the upcoming first service.

I've also heard, that the todays diesel is so pure, that you will need some additive to the diesel, like a capsule of two-stroke oil for each jerry can of diesel. That will lubricate the pump and the injectors.

 

[SensibleNick]

I've also heard, that the todays diesel is so pure, that you will need some additive to the diesel, like a capsule of two-stroke oil for each jerry can of diesel. That will lubricate the pump and the injectors.

Tjenare!!

Mycket interessant... det ska jag göra.

As you may have read, I replaced my hydraulic system's "UTF" oil with proper hydraulic oil...

My engine oil is - according to the Kellfri - Turbo Kombi. I'll be changing that then!!

I'm beginning to wonder about the temperature gauge or the sensor..... the engine gets to a good temperature: I can feel that the top radiator hose gets to a really decent temperature, but the gauge rarely reads above 50 degrees C.

Both track-rod ends (the ones that had loose taper-shaft fittings) are now showing signs of serious wear. I think they may have made the bearing lining out of goats cheese. :laughing:

Today we started work on our future veg patches. I'll be borrowing a plough from a mate. Given the fact that we never had the oppertunity to plough the old grass into the earth we're electing to strip it off before ploughing. We can use the tasty top-soil next year

We'll be ploughing in a load of the neighbour's straw and horsecrap to lighten up the clayish soil.... I'm rather looking forward to it.

 

[greg_g]

I'm beginning to wonder about the temperature gauge or the sensor..... the engine gets to a good temperature: I can feel that the top radiator hose gets to a really decent temperature, but the gauge rarely reads above 50 degrees C.

A working temperature of 80C is desired. What you describe is symptomatic a thermostat that's either stuck open - or missing altogether.

//greg//

 

[SensibleNick]

A working temperature of 80C is desired. What you describe is symptomatic a thermostat that's either stuck open - or missing altogether.

Taking the 'stat housing off is already on my "to do" list for the weekend... I had wondered if someone had removed it in order to allow enough flow for the engine heater, but an initial check showed that the bolts hadn't been touched.

So far I've gone old-school and reduced the airflow though the radiator to get it up to temp.

Also, the top hose does reach way above the indicated temp... I'll have a poke at the thermostat and see what's going on. Far easier than tracing electrical problems. Failing that I'll dump the temp sensor in a mug of boiling water and see what the temp gauge says then.

It's going to be like owning a mini all over again: boiling thermostats in a saucepan to see when they open..

 

[Diamondpilot]

Taking the 'stat housing off is already on my "to do" list for the weekend... I had wondered if someone had removed it in order to allow enough flow for the engine heater, but an initial check showed that the bolts hadn't been touched.

So far I've gone old-school and reduced the airflow though the radiator to get it up to temp.

Also, the top hose does reach way above the indicated temp... I'll have a poke at the thermostat and see what's going on. Far easier than tracing electrical problems. Failing that I'll dump the temp sensor in a mug of boiling water and see what the temp gauge says then.

It's going to be like owning a mini all over again: boiling thermostats in a saucepan to see when they open..

Just replace it. Do not waste your time boiling it. Even if it functions properly it will fail soon. The Chinese Tractors thermostats are junk. I along with better than 75% I would guess have to swap them out sooner or later.

Chris

 

[traktorz]

Occasionally, you perhaps like to access the online manuals for Chinese tractors which can be found here:
Pecans Parts Catalog

 

[valley]

SensibleNick, Good to see you into your Foton. I also have a Foton 254. Mine is a 2005 not sure how different or similar they are they look the same except the color mine is red. Sounds like you injoy everything you do.
I flushed out the Hydraulic system with diesel that worked out well for me and made a favorable improvement. I see your bonnet opens upward, I like that, mine opens forward. I want to make a frame inside so mine will open like yours. Glad to hear what you are doing and what you plan for the future. The best of luck and adventure to you and yours.

 

[SensibleNick]

SensibleNick, Good to see you into your Foton. I also have a Foton 254. Mine is a 2005 not sure how different or similar they are they look the same except the color mine is red. Sounds like you injoy everything you do.
I flushed out the Hydraulic system with diesel that worked out well for me and made a favorable improvement. I see your bonnet opens upward, I like that, mine opens forward. I want to make a frame inside so mine will open like yours. Glad to hear what you are doing and what you plan for the future. The best of luck and adventure to you and yours.

If you need photos and pictures for the bonnet-mod let me know. However, Access to the engine is pretty poor to be honest, and I'd be willing to be that you can fill your fuel tank with greater ease than I can as a result. With the FEL in place it's a right bugger trying to get to the dipstick etc as well.

My understanding of 2005/2009 differences are limited to gearbox layout. I believe that the 8 forward and 8 reverse gears are relatively new to the 254, and my PTO shaft functions in all reverse gears (despite the manual seeming a little outdated, and stating that it won't)

Currently I'm trawling though the "Let's talk Flail mowers" thread in the Attachments section, getting as much info as I can before starting to design one. Re-usable scrap steel costs about 8kr/Kg here (40cents per pound-ish) sO I reckon I'm looking at about $100 worth of materials.... Balancing it will be fun, but as I have access to a water-jet cutter and can cut to within 0.02mm with it, I think I'll have a head-start

 

[valley]

SensibleNick, I would love to have the bonnet mod photos. The bonnet cannot be opened at all with the FEL down.
On this one the fuel tank can be filled with the bonnet down. Thanks Richard

 

[SensibleNick]

SensibleNick, I would love to have the bonnet mod photos. The bonnet cannot be opened at all with the FEL down.
On this one the fuel tank can be filled with the bonnet down. Thanks Richard

Ohh.. we have interestingly different FEL setups..

I'll post the bonnet photos as soon as I get time: The parts catalogue has some rather descriptive pics too... I'll snap them while I'm at it. :thumbsup: