Farmall M overheating

Matt in WA · Mar 9, 2009

Have a 1950 Farmall M that runs good, except last 6 mo. temp. gauge keeps getting up. I blew out the radiator with the compressor, and flushed the radiator with the garden hose. Not much rust and fluid looked still pretty good, after approx. 2 tablespoons of rust.
Belt to water pump is good, and no water leaking at water pump. I always greased the zirks on the pump also. My question is, should I go ahead and pull the water pump and take a look at it? I believe the gauges have always been accurate. Have the service manual somewhere here, need to find it. Thanks for any advice.

Matt

Andrew Z · Mar 9, 2009

sounds like the thermostat is in the stuck closed position. Its a pretty cheap and easy fix. however before you change that hook up a new gauge and see if you get the same results. If not then check the thermostat

Andrew

old · Mar 9, 2009

Not likely to be the water pump but as the other guy said the thermostat maybe stuck or your flush didn't do much. Common for a lot of rust to build up in the block and just running a garden hose in it will not move much if any of it. I would first off fill it with vinegar and run it till good and warm then back flush if by way of the drain plug on the side of the block and change the thromo
Hobby farm

mattofvinings · Mar 9, 2009

Not sure about the M water pump, but if similar to the H waterpump, check for the missing "drive crossbar".

In other words, my old H would overheat quickly the first time I let it run despite the fan belt turning and the fan blowing to beat the band...after some teardown and looking at parts books I figured out that the actual impeller shaft, quietly sticking out thru the center, was not being turned. My best guess was that was why the tractor was taken out of service...

Another possible issue is a blown head gasket, but I'd definitely rule out the other simple possibilities first.

Matt in WA · Mar 9, 2009

Thanks guys. I actually couldn"t remember if it had a thermostat? Will check the manual, and check it out also.
No antifreeze on the dipstick,and no oil in antifreeze, power is great, so my gut feeling is that head-gasket is OK.
Old, which side of the block is the back drain plug, I only saw the front Rt one, under the radiator?
Thanks for your help.
Matt

SDE · Mar 10, 2009

The block drain is slightly in front of and below the carburator. It may be a regular pipe plug or it may still be the original "butterfly" plug.
SDE

rustyfarmall · Mar 10, 2009

(quoted from post at 06:29:29 03/10/09) The block drain is slightly in front of and below the carburator. It may be a regular pipe plug or it may still be the original "butterfly" plug.
SDE

And it may not want to come out.

Farmall M overheating

Matt in WA

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Andrew Z

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old

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mattofvinings

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Matt in WA

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SDE

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rustyfarmall

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