Coolant Flow, Farmall SM

kopeck · Aug 15, 2011

So one more silly question...

What direction does the coolant flow on a SM?

I would assume the hot water enters the radiator at the top then is pulled down through and pumped back into the engine through the bottom?

K

tractorsam · Aug 15, 2011

I think it's pretty much universal on all engines, the hot water exits near the top and re-enters near the bottom. It probably comes as a carry over from the days of thermosyphon systems. Sam

randy hall · Aug 15, 2011

kopeck · Aug 15, 2011

(quoted from post at 08:22:45 08/15/11) I think it's pretty much universal on all engines, the hot water exits near the top and re-enters near the bottom. It probably comes as a carry over from the days of thermosyphon systems. Sam

Yeah, that's what I was thinking as well. I knew the trucks I worked on were this way.

I'm also wondering if there's some safety built in as well. The radiator can get a little low but the pump will still be in fluid and hopefully still be able to pump.

K

JRSutton · Aug 15, 2011

yes, you are correct - but since you didn't say why you were asking - remember that the thermostat will block that flow into the radiator and bypass it back into the block until it reaches the opening temperature.

kopeck · Aug 15, 2011

(quoted from post at 11:00:55 08/15/11) yes, you are correct - but since you didn't say why you were asking - remember that the thermostat will block that flow into the radiator and bypass it back into the block until it reaches the opening temperature.

Oh, I know.

I have to admit the reason I asked is my my SM was a bit low and was put into parade duty last weekend that way (I checked EVERYTHING else...). I topped it off, it took about 3/4 of a gallon (I'm guessing the level was about even with the inlet) but the tank is pretty huge on them and if I recall they take 6 gallons.

It was mostly light duty trailer pulling, well that is until the fellow driving it took off up a long hill in 5th with the fully loaded trailer + people still in tow! She pulled like a champ...it was more the slowing down I was worried about, in the future I'll be driving the tractor.

The only reason I was thinking about the cooling system is after the drive over to the parade start site (w/o trailer) she idled rough/wanted to stall, which is odd since it's the best idling tractor I have. Seems to be fuel issue since a little choke helped plus it cleared up at high idle. I just was making sure that coolant was still flowing all the time.

K

Janicholson · Aug 15, 2011

It should be about 1.5" down from the neck. It has no overflow tank and coolant recovery cap as on modern cars. Thus all expansion must be within the radiator top tank. If the cores are covered an inch or so when cold it is fine! Jim

sflem849 · Aug 15, 2011

That's barely even low. I have done the measure thing like the book says and it works out to pretty much able to touch it. I have short, fat fingers and if I can stick my pointer finger in the top and BARELY touch coolant that is about right.

kopeck · Aug 15, 2011

Yeah, I really didn't think it was much of a problem, the cores were covered, it just surprised me.

You have to realize that I tend to worry about things...I should know better and realize I'm going to chase down a fuel problem and not worry so much about coolant.

K

Coolant Flow, Farmall SM

kopeck

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tractorsam

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randy hall

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kopeck

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JRSutton

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kopeck

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Janicholson

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sflem849

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kopeck

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