Tractor running hot

[Mark Dolan]

I have noticed my temperature gauge close to and at times in the red while brush hogging with my Farmtrac 390 hst (engine: Mitsubishi, displacement: 107, HP:39, fuel: Diesel). My radiator fluid levels are good and I keep the radiator clear of debris by airblowing it religiously. I'm starting to suspect my oil. The oil is black already and I changed it fairly recently. I am going to change the oil today so can anyone recommend a heavy duty oil weight for this diesel engine to help keep this beast cool while under PTO load in 90 degree heat?

 

[Deere Dude]

The only oil I weight I would use is 15-40, and often times Rotella T. That should be good even in the colder temperatures you have. I suspect overheating it is something other than the oil. Maybe a loose fanbelt, maybe debris stuck in the radiator fins someplace. Just a thought.

 

[Mark Dolan]

The only oil I weight I would use is 15-40, and often times Rotella T. That should be good even in the colder temperatures you have. I suspect overheating it is something other than the oil. Maybe a loose fanbelt, maybe debris stuck in the radiator fins someplace. Just a thought.

Thanks Deere Dude. i think I'm going to do a radiator/coolant system flush to see if that helps.

 

[Jerry/MT]

I have noticed my temperature gauge close to and at times in the red while brush hogging with my Farmtrac 390 hst (engine: Mitsubishi, displacement: 107, HP:39, fuel: Diesel). My radiator fluid levels are good and I keep the radiator clear of debris by airblowing it religiously. I'm starting to suspect my oil. The oil is black already and I changed it fairly recently. I am going to change the oil today so can anyone recommend a heavy duty oil weight for this diesel engine to help keep this beast cool while under PTO load in 90 degree heat?

Make sure that your air filter is clear, the fan belt is tight, the lower hose is not collapsing at high rpms, the radiator cap is the proper pressure rating and is functioning properly, the thermostat is opening and has the correct temperature rating and finally check the calibration by measuring the coolant temperature with a separate thermometer to make sure the sending unit/guage combination is giving you good data.

 

[Mark Dolan]

Make sure that your air filter is clear, the fan belt is tight, the lower hose is not collapsing at high rpms, the radiator cap is the proper pressure rating and is functioning properly, the thermostat is opening and has the correct temperature rating and finally check the calibration by measuring the coolant temperature with a separate thermometer to make sure the sending unit/guage combination is giving you good data.

Awesome Jerry. As I am new to some of this stuff, how do i check to see if the Thermostat is opening correctly?

 

[buickanddeere]

Not unusual to find a belt glazed and pulleys worn due to dirt and slippage from a loose belt. If the belt is glazed/worn and/or the pulleys worn. Over tightening the belt enough to prevent slippage will ruin the alternator and water pump bearings.
Tap water contains minerals will act as thermal insulation when they plate out in the rad or in the engine. Even a trace amount of oil in the cooling system will also reduce heat exchange capacity.

 

[jimmysisson]

Awesome Jerry. As I am new to some of this stuff, how do i check to see if the Thermostat is opening correctly?

An inexpensive remote-reading digital thermometer is a very useful piece of work, usually can be found for $30 or so. Fun for the info it gives you, too. You can check the block by the sensor vs. the radiator upper tank, hoses, etc.
Jim

 

[sw03]

I have a Raytek IF meter (love it) and my BX24 runs at 123F when it is 100F outside. Hyd is 156F..HYD filter is 120 to 175F and MMM is approx 152F..

PS. Contrete at 100F ambient is 134 to 135F

Have fun.

 

[mattoct3003]

I have a Raytek IF meter (love it) and my BX24 runs at 123F when it is 100F outside. Hyd is 156F..HYD filter is 120 to 175F and MMM is approx 152F..

PS. Contrete at 100F ambient is 134 to 135F

Have fun.

Hahaha sw03. Im the same way at work with the Fluke IR thermometer.