Farmall M getting hot, need help!

BigTone · Jun 3, 2012

Hey guys, finally got the M home and on the drive home she got hot, about 215 degrees....I thought it was low on fluid so I let it cool, checked the coolent and it was low so I filled it, parked it last week and didnt get it out until today. It started fine, oil pressure is at around 70 psi on the gauge. Brought it up from the barn, and changed the oil (had been sitting for a couple years) and it was milky grey with some normal looking oil mixed in. Filled it with 15w-40, took it for a ride down the road and the temp just started to go up, so I turned it off at around 200 degrees and towed it back to the barn.

My question: whats up with the milky oil and does that mean I have a blown gasket somewhere? Also, where should I start looking at the cooling system,(Thermostat, water pump, radiator)? Any help, advice, expertise would be so greatly appreciated, this is my first antique tractor and im very new to working on them (I have all the manuels though)...

~Thanks, Anthony

The Red · Jun 3, 2012

First two things I would do is see if you can shine a light through the radiator. Those tubes might be plugged with dirt. If that looks good, replace the thermostat.

Andrew Z · Jun 3, 2012

After sitting a number of years the oil is going to accumulate condensation though the cast. I would first start easy, make sure you radiator is clean, the fins etc, make sure the belt on the fan is tight enough. After that i would pull the thermostat housing and replace the thermostat its self. After that pull the side cover behind the carburetor and clean out the water jacket. If you have a blown head gasket you can see air bubbles is the radiator while is running. This is really not much money to spend just some time and effort. Always with the easy and go to the harder/more expensive.

Andrew

GordoSD · Jun 3, 2012

You are going to need a powerful air compressor, a long tip blowgun and 100 psi air. Blow ALL the dirt out of the radiator. You have to alternate from front to from behind. It will take at least 30 minutes until you don't see any more dust flying.
Let us know how much dirt comes flying out of there at the start.

Bob M · Jun 3, 2012

Anthony - Could be the milky oil is from condensation from sitting and/or overdue oil change. Try loosening the drain plug and draining a cup or so of oil into a glass container. Only if you see water along with the oil, or the oil is again milky-looking oil does it mean there may be a problem. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.

Running hot is likely from a plugged radiator or possibly a stuck thermostat. My experience however has been thermostats tend to stick OPEN which makes the engine run cold.

Another long shot possibility is the water pump driver (the odd spring 'n bolt gizmo on the front of the fan hub) has become disconnected or has gone missing so the water pump is not working.

I would drain and flush the cooling system. Before take a close look at the bottom of the upper radiator tank. If the tubes are loaded with gunk the radiator is gonna need to be removed and professionally cooked out.

Janicholson · Jun 3, 2012

No one has mentioned the use of a professional quality flush of the system. Not convienience store stuff, but Napa brand, or other pro product. After cleaning the fins with compressed air, followed by a garden hose followed by more air, the next step is a flush. Jim

Dennis K (WA) · Jun 3, 2012

Be careful with the air hose that you don't bend all your radiator fins over and shut off the air flow completely. The outer circumference of the radiator is the most important. They do make a tool for straightening up the fins or a screw driver or pocket knife will work also.
Does it have shutters, if so, are they open?
good luck
Dennis

El Toro · Jun 3, 2012

Feel the bottom hose to see if its hot when the temp climbs. Also look in the radiator when the engine is at an idle to see if any bubbles are present. If that bottom hose isn't getting hot
the radiator tubes are probably blocked and may need to be rodded out by your local radiator shop. Hal

The Red · Jun 3, 2012

Bob it was around 10 years ago when my Grandpa's H was in my barn for a season (still don't own it). It was used with a JD #5 sickle bar mower that summer and it ran real hot. We hosed out that radiator and I could not believe how much dirt we washed out of there. It helped it somewhat but I know it needs to be dipped, etc. at a radiator shop. Currently it is in a shed in Mooreland, IN supposedly being cleaned and repainted.

S2710 · Jun 3, 2012

My M was running hot and I looked in the radiator when it was running and I could see that the water pump was moving water. The fins on the radiator were clean but the tubes over half pluged. I drained all the water out and flushed it with a water hose. Then I filled the radiator and block with vineger. I ran the tractor raking hay and then came in and pulled the plugs and drained everything. Let it cool and flushed it with water and you should of seen the black stuff that came out. I then filled it with water and it still ran hot but the radiator was clean. Come to find out that the impellers on the water pump were about half gone and it was not pumping enought water to keep it cool. Replaced the water pump and now it runs like it should, and it also moves three times the water then it did before.

Bob

glennster · Jun 4, 2012

i use "old" s method for cooling system flush. drain the radiator and fill it with straight vinegar. run it for 10 or 15 minutes, then let it set for a few days. the flush it with water till it runs clean. for cleaning the radiator fins, i like using castrol super clean. its a real strong degreaser. spray it on the fins, let it soak and rinse with a hose. i dont use a pressure washer, seen too many radiators get holes blown in em. last thing i would check is the distributor or mag timing advance. pull the cap, gently twist the rotor a little and see if it snaps back. if not the advance is prolly corroded up and stuck. if the timing is running retarded, it will heat up pretty quick.

SadFarmall · Jun 4, 2012

I always check the thermostat to see if it works. Put it in a saucepan of cold water on a stove and heat it. The thermostat will have its opening temperature stamped on it. I have a kitchen thermometer (it was originally used on the dairy for milk) that I use. When the water temperature reaches opening temperature of the thermostat, you should see it open. If it does not, then spend your hard earned on a replacement.
SadFarmall

Farmall M getting hot, need help!

BigTone

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The Red

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Andrew Z

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GordoSD

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Bob M

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Janicholson

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Dennis K (WA)

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El Toro

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The Red

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S2710

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glennster

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SadFarmall

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