560 Overflow

[Anonymous-0]

Coolant is pouring out the overflow after running less than 5 minutes. Day before no coolant loss while mowing 10 acres. should I start with the radiator cap or go tothe thermostat? thanks

 

[Anonymous-0]

No, do not start with either the cap or the thermostat.(1) Start by thoroughly cleaning the radiator fins (brush off the big stuff from the front - blow the compacted stuff out from the inside thru the radiator with a air hose). (2) Check the condition and tension of the fan/water pump belt (and pulleys). (3) Check for proper coolant level in the radiator (should be down a couple/three inches from the top of the neck) (4) With the cap off, engine running and up to operating temperature, look in the radiator and see if you have a good flow of coolant (if you do not then you have one or both of two possibilities - (a) water pump not pumping or (B).restriction in the flow, probably from a stuck closed thermostat. (5) If no flow - Shut the tractor off and remove the thermostat. After replacing the thermostat housing and radiator hose (a) bring the coolant to proper level (b) start the tractor (with the cap OFF) and bring to operating temperature, observe for coolant flow. If it flows good - put a new thermostat in it and you should be good to go. (6) If still no flow with all the above done and verified, you have a bad water pump - replace.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Poster below has completely overlooked the possibility of a head gasket problem. With the cap off and the coolant filled, does it bubble gases when started? If so, it is possibly a leakage problem from the combustion chamber. Rest of post may be good advice, but less than 5 minutes from cold, assuming little load and close to idle, should not overheat the cooling system that much.
Regards, RAB

 

[Anonymous-0]

I agree with RAB. Coolant overflow from a cold engine usually means head gasket trouble.

If you have a cooling system pressure tester, put the tester on the radiator filler and fire up the engine. If the pressure takes off like a rocket, you have a blown head gasket or similar problem. Be ready to turn off the engine immediately since you can easily overpressurize the system.