My green guy is a 1986 model 1050. Been pleased, as has been pretty trouble free and a work horse for all this time. However I did finally have to change the v-belt recently. (It still had the original belt that it came with, that had green paint on it! Can't believe it didn't last another 2 years!)
Earlier this week, one hot evening, I was brush hogging. Was in tall grass and pretty thick, so was making it earn its keep. After 4 hours of non-stop mowing (5 foot mower), my temp warning light came on. I disengaged the PTO, and brought the engine RPMs back to 1500 (I run at PTO rated, 2250), and after a coupe of minutes, the temp light went out. I let it idle at 1200 for 5-10 minutes, while I get some water for me, etc. Got back on it, and began mowing again, but in less thick areas. All was fine for about 45 minutes, when the temp light came on again. Repeated above, and light went out a gain. It was getting late anyway, so let it idle to cool, then put him to bed for the night.
Next afternoon, (again hot outdoors), I checked coolant, not only in overflow container, but pulled the radiator cap to check, and it was full. I was pretty sure it would be, since I had added water and antifreeze when I changed the v belt, since I had to remove the bottom radiator hose to do that. I hosed out the radiator fins, and rinsed the screen in front of it. I also washed the breathing vents in front and on the sides of the hood. I mowed that afternoon/evening, without a hitch, but only mowed for about 4 hours.
This morning, I got busy mowing at 0645. Before starting, gave another check, and also washed the fins again, and screen, as I did last time. Just because I can't see it, doesn't mean it might not be there. Started it, and let it idle 5 minutes, then off to mow in another pasture deep in dead winter grass and weeds. 5.5 hours in, temp light came on. Repeated as earlier in the week, light went out, gave it a little extra time, then resumed, again in a not so dense area. 30 minutes later, temp light back on. So, I cooled him down at idle and put him away for the day.
I know my v belt is snug according to manual, and fan blade is turning. It is a bit dusty, but not as bad as some years that I have mowed. Some years, I have to stop and take my hand and wipe the hood vents to let air in, every 45 minutes, or less! I am running a 60% water/40% antifreeze ratio.
So, where do I begin looking. I would think a stuck or gummed thermostat would cause an overheat sooner than this is happening initially. Ditto a clogged up radiator, but haven't ruled out the radiator might need to be cleaned good inside. Do I need to drain the radiator fluid and go back with a 50/50 mixture?
My only gripe, so far, with this machine is lights instead of gauges. I have no idea how fast the temp rises, before it sets off the warning light.
Any ideas will be appreciated. As it is now, I plan to be back on him at 0615-0630 tomorrow, to try to finish what I was trying to complete today.
Thanks y'all!
Earlier this week, one hot evening, I was brush hogging. Was in tall grass and pretty thick, so was making it earn its keep. After 4 hours of non-stop mowing (5 foot mower), my temp warning light came on. I disengaged the PTO, and brought the engine RPMs back to 1500 (I run at PTO rated, 2250), and after a coupe of minutes, the temp light went out. I let it idle at 1200 for 5-10 minutes, while I get some water for me, etc. Got back on it, and began mowing again, but in less thick areas. All was fine for about 45 minutes, when the temp light came on again. Repeated above, and light went out a gain. It was getting late anyway, so let it idle to cool, then put him to bed for the night.
Next afternoon, (again hot outdoors), I checked coolant, not only in overflow container, but pulled the radiator cap to check, and it was full. I was pretty sure it would be, since I had added water and antifreeze when I changed the v belt, since I had to remove the bottom radiator hose to do that. I hosed out the radiator fins, and rinsed the screen in front of it. I also washed the breathing vents in front and on the sides of the hood. I mowed that afternoon/evening, without a hitch, but only mowed for about 4 hours.
This morning, I got busy mowing at 0645. Before starting, gave another check, and also washed the fins again, and screen, as I did last time. Just because I can't see it, doesn't mean it might not be there. Started it, and let it idle 5 minutes, then off to mow in another pasture deep in dead winter grass and weeds. 5.5 hours in, temp light came on. Repeated as earlier in the week, light went out, gave it a little extra time, then resumed, again in a not so dense area. 30 minutes later, temp light back on. So, I cooled him down at idle and put him away for the day.
I know my v belt is snug according to manual, and fan blade is turning. It is a bit dusty, but not as bad as some years that I have mowed. Some years, I have to stop and take my hand and wipe the hood vents to let air in, every 45 minutes, or less! I am running a 60% water/40% antifreeze ratio.
So, where do I begin looking. I would think a stuck or gummed thermostat would cause an overheat sooner than this is happening initially. Ditto a clogged up radiator, but haven't ruled out the radiator might need to be cleaned good inside. Do I need to drain the radiator fluid and go back with a 50/50 mixture?
My only gripe, so far, with this machine is lights instead of gauges. I have no idea how fast the temp rises, before it sets off the warning light.
Any ideas will be appreciated. As it is now, I plan to be back on him at 0615-0630 tomorrow, to try to finish what I was trying to complete today.
Thanks y'all!