Was hot today

37chief · Jul 12, 2019

Starting to warm up here in Ca. I was mowing some very tall thick plants. My JD 401 always runs a little on the high side of the temp indicator. Today with the heat, and thick green weeds, and grass it pushed the temp right up to the edge of the red. It never boiled. I don't like to see my motor get that hot. I heard as long as it doesn't boil you are ok. Any thoughts? Tomorrow should be an easier mowing day. Dry short grass. Stan

MarkB_MI · Jul 12, 2019

Since it always runs hot I wouldn't be concerned about it running a little warmer than usual. I would take the time to blow out or hose out the radiator to make sure it's getting as much airflow as possible. And of course you can always drop to a lower gear, unless you're already down to first.

ohiojim · Jul 12, 2019

they always taught us that the hotter you can run an engine without it boiling the less wear you will have..

Ellis Kinney · Jul 12, 2019

I have 3 Farmall M tractors. The temp. gauges on each one is different, one always runs near the red line. I really think it is the gauge. I would try a different gauge. Ellis

Russ from MN · Jul 12, 2019

A lot of good comments, I wouldn't worry either, as long as you have good oil in it and keep the radiator clean your OK. Do you run a very strong anti-freeze blend? You probably don't need it for freeze protection but do for corrosion prevention, and it can raise the boiling point a lot.

Steve@Advance · Jul 12, 2019

I don't like seeing that either, especially if it's something new.

My first thought would be air flow restriction through the radiator.

Another cause for overheating under load is a thermostat not fully opening.

But as long as it is not loosing coolant, no loss of power, no steam out the exhaust, I would just be aware and keep an eye on it.

If there is a problem, it will escalate. If not, it can be assumed that's just the way it runs.

teddy52food · Jul 12, 2019

The old 2 flywheel engines seem to work good at the boiling point.

Goose · Jul 12, 2019

The Fordson tractor we had when I was a kid always ran its best when the radiator was boiling. But--that was a non-pressurized system.

37chief · Jul 12, 2019

I always mow in 3rd, or 4th, in low range. I dropped to 2nd It didn't help much. Anyway, I got ur done. Stan

Was hot today

37chief

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MarkB_MI

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ohiojim

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Ellis Kinney

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Russ from MN

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Steve@Advance

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teddy52food

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Goose

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37chief

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