advice on running w/o fan

[tractor gal]

I'm getting ready to have someone help me with replacing the crankshaft pulley. I'll need to get the tractor from the barn. Here's the question: How long can I have that motor running without the fan turning to cool the engine? I don't want to overheat and damage. Second question: should I take off the radiator cap to avoid pressure building?
 

[sHan tn]

i wouldnt run it more than a couple minutes at a time, if you have the pulley off then the water pump aint turning so it wont build up any pump pressure anyway, run it a couple minutes and let it cool back down and then move it further and let it cool. OR just be safe about it and have somebody pull you with a chain....
 

[Dell (WA)]

TG.........smart of nubie shadetree mechanics to ask questions. No need to fill'em-up. Starter and GO. I would NOT run more than 5-mins. While most people think water keeps engine cool, surprizingly enuff its OIL that does the MOST cooling. ........cool Dell
 

[JCinKY]

sHan gave you some good advice, but also depends on ambient temp and whether your water pump is functional (as said earlier).

May run for awhile if it's sub zero...unlikely. Stock cap is rated at 4 lbs (I think). Make sure it's full of water whether your pump works or not. I had to heat mine up without water and it was steamin after about 5 mins...
 

[JCinKY]

Sorry Dell...looks like I type too slow.
 

[old]

5 minutes or so but you can also do this. If you have flat ground start it up take off in 4th gear and once rolling good step on the clutch pedal and then turn off the engine and coast when it slows down turn it back on and let the clutch pedal out to restart and do it again if you need to. That way you do not run the engine long but yet you get there. Of course it will not work if going up hill but works well on flat or a down hill
 

[tractor gal]

I thought I had posted this reply but don't see it listed. Thanks for the good advice on this. To Dell, I don't qualify as a shade tree mechanic just yet but I'm workin' on it. One thing I do know...when I don't know, don't be ashamed to ask. It's better to acknowledge your ignorance than to tear up something. And, yes, I learned that the hard way.
 

[old]

If you still have my number and you need the answer yesterday feel free to call me I do that type of help all the time and got 2 calls yesterday in fact