620 operating temperature

[Anonymous-0]

My 620 rarely moves the temp gauge needle when using it. Last fall I put a piece of cardboard in front of the radiator. Today was my first chance to push snow. After a while, the gauge was up to 170, which is where I think it is supposed to operate. A little while later, I noticed some steam coming out around the radiator cap. The gauge still read 170. Is it ok to run it this way? I assume that my gauge is working properly. Perhaps my radiator cap is not sealing properly. I felt the radiator and it was warm but not hot. I would really like to have a set of shutters on it.

Thanks.

 

[senoj]

John one thing always remember "never ASSUME anything" Get a thermometer that you KNOW is correct and check it by placing it under the radiator cap. But not if steam is coming out. Steam tells me you have boiling water. My first guess is you have a problem indicator. Check the line from the radiator to the guage. It may have a kink or a flattened area, causing your problem. gg

 

[Anonymous-0]

You need to check the temperature with a thermometer or infra-red gun and see if the temperature gauge is working. You don't need shutters, you probably need to replace the thermostat.

 

[F-I-T]

John:

Is the thermostat operating properly? That will make a huge difference. Shouldn't need shutters if the thermostat is working. A 160*-182* is called out in the parts book.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Thanks for the replies. So would a bad thermostat normally fail in the open position and constantly circulate water to the radiator preventing it from warming up in cold weather?? Or do they fail in any position? I'm sure that the thermostat is original so likely needs replacing regardless. I will take my thermometer out with me next time. Also, how big of a job is replacing a thermostat.

 

[Kemper]

Yes, it can fail in the open or closed position...

 

[F-I-T]

It's in the upper radiator water pipe. Go to jdparts.com and download a free parts book, and you'll see the detail.

Yes, they can fail open or closed, but they can also be missing because a previous owner had one fail closed, and just removed it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have a parts manual already. Was wondering if I could replace the thermostat by removing only the inlet from the radiator and not disturbing the housing, pipe and o-rings. I would only need the thermostat and a couple of gaskets. I think I will wait for some warmer weather before working on it.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Just priced the pieces. The thermostat is $9.99. The large gasket is $10.25 and the small gasket is $5.25. You wonder how a gasket can cost more than the thermostat.

 

[Ben.So.Tex]

Get a new guage

 

[F-I-T]

The gaskets are very easy to make at home. You can buy the gasket material in roll form at NAPA.

 

[730d se]

It is because they use a sophisticated "usage" software program to push the prices as high as possible. If enough thermostat sales show up on this program, the prices will rocket in to space like most everything else that they sell.
That accounting and pricing practice has done two things very effectively. It has run the stock price up in some companies that use it, and it has also shut them down or placed them in a buy out situation when the crap finally hits the fan.

 

[buickanddeere]

As previously stated.The gauge is lying.
195F for cool weather and putting around. 180F if working it hard all day in the summer.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I think I will replace the thermostat then see how the gauge behaves. If I need a new gauge, where is a good place to get one?

Thanks.

 

[720 D ES]

The steam is probably coming from the radiator cap not sealing or a small leak in the radiator. IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE BOILING TO PRODUCE STEAM! (Especially in cold weather.) Think of taking a shower and the bathroom gets steamed up, but the water you are using IS NOT BOILING! If the water in the radiator is truly boiling, you will be able to hear it when the tractor is not running. I would check the temp. with an infared thermometer.
The thermostat can be fun to change because of the mentioned O-rings and the by-pass pipe that goes to the water pump.
Good Luck!