water circulation problem

[tallur4me]

I had a David Brown 995 that got hot due to a loose fan belt. Belt was so loose that it did not turn the water pump fast enough.
Then had a JD 820 that the impeller blades worn enough on the ends that it caused poor circulation. Put in a kit and a few years later had a seal leak on the water pump.
Had some older diesel trucks that were really hard on the water pumps and had to repalce the pump every 60,000 miles or so.
I would guess a water pump will go a long way toward solving your problem.
J D

 

[bbse]

I appreciate the reply tallur4me. I believe the water pump is a long shot but I won't be happy until I check. I used to be in the auto parts business and I remember several customers over the years saying things like I am experiencing. I just cannot remember the details of their stories it has been so long. I have a 30 year diesel mechanic that I have lined up to help me go over the engine. He won't be available until after next week. In the meantime I am going to have the radiator cleaned and check that pump. I have to order parts since the nearest dealer to me does not seem to stock anything for 3054's and the one that is 45 miles away only knows if he has a part if he can see the old one it seems like. I will try to find out where my teens have put my digital camera and take some pics. That may help clarify some things.

 

[VictorW]

I was a GM technician. All gas engines but no diesel but here's a thought to run past your diesel tech. Gas engines can run hot if there is a lean fuel/air mix or if the ignition timing is advanced to high. I don't know if that holds true for diesel. Maybe a member knows and can educate some of us. I didn't want to add more confusion to your problems. Just another idea from gas engine experience.

 

[Kiohio]

I would almost rather pull the head than pull the water pump.
If you have everything you need the head gasket is a cake walk and a quick job. The clean-up you have to do to the head takes longer than anything.
Do yourself a favor and powerwash the engine before you start.
Also have a shop check the head before reinstalling it. This will take the most time.

KO

 

[HODAK]

Ignition timing is for a gas engine. SPARK at the correct time. Diesels do not have spark plugs. Sounds like this guy is on the roght track. Process of elimination, easy things first. Good luck.

 

[bbse]

I don't have time for much explanation, I have to get to church but I wanted to update everyone. I re-checked the thermostat and it opens fine. Checked the circulation without the thermostat and it was good. Did find one thing I think was effecting the circulation. I replaced the fan belt. With the thermostat in the temp ran about 3/4 up on the guage but it held steady no matter the attitude of the terrain. Then I ran with the thermostat out and it was perfect. The guage sat right at 2/5's all day. I brush cut about 3 acres of thick grass and let the grass seed build up on the radiator. When the temp finally started to climb I checked and the radiator screen had about 1/2" to 1" of grass seed and dust covering. I was still under the halfway mark on my guage. So put the thermostat back in and here we go again. back to 3/4's on the temp guage. I quickly drove into the shop. Took a big rag and popped the cap. Good pressure. Popped out the two thermostat housing bolts. I took some pliers and yanked the thermostat out and it was (as I now suspected) wide open. Took it out. Topped off and back to perfect temps. I think I need a much cooler thermostat than 180f. Maybe a 155f or 160F?

 

[HODAK]

Looks like you have it narrowed down. Like I said before, check the easy things first. Didn't you say you picked up a thermostat at an auto store? I would get one shipped in or pick one up at a KIOTI dealer. You never know these days what may be different between those little items. Maybe KIOTI uses a cooler thermostat like you mentioned? Good luck!

 

[bbse]

I call Jon Depratt and talked to him about this. I am putting together a parts order to include a thermostat. He did say that the temp on the oem thermostat was between 176f and 182f. Why it runs normal without a thermostat and runs hotter with one (one that I now know is open) is a mystery. I am fairly positive that I am getting air into the cooling system. I am still getting that small amount of bubbles back into the overflow tank. Hopefully it is something as simple like the water pump. But if is a head gasket I can deal with that. Several have told me these are easy to change. If that turns out to be the case it will give me a chance (and excuse) to have the engine gone through. I plan to use this tractor for some time and I want to have confidence in it. I will try to keep everyone informed when I find out more. I think I can get this diesel mechanic I have been talking to over Saturday to start checking things out. As soon as I can get a compression test done I think I will get a answer.