850 overheating

[Dim Pete]

Hi, bought a 1955 Ford 850 at an estate sale. After some tinkering got it to run great. After 15 min or so coolant pours out of the
overflow tube just under the radiator cap. Water pump does not leak and does not feel loose. I put a thermometer in the radiator (gauge
does not work, it is on order) and the temperature kept increasing. To me that suggests that the thermostat is either stuck open, or is
not present. Radiator fins appear clear and hoses seem OK. Could it still be the water pump? Should I take off the top hose and run the
tractor and see if fluid comes out? (it needs to be changed anyway). Thanks for any help.

 

[SkipperII]

How full is the radiator when cold. It should only be about halfway up in the top tank. If it is overfilled, it will always overflow due to heat expansion. You say the temp. continues to rise. How hot does it get? No thermostat, or open thermostat will cause it to not warm up to a proper operating temp. A stuck closed thermostat will cause overheating, due to no circulation. Does it show air bubbles if you fill it, and leave the cap off, possible head gasket, or cracked head? I would get that temp gauge replaced, that is a critical gauge.

 

[Tom in TN]

Dim Pete,

I agree wholeheartedly with everything Skipper said. One more thing that I have seen when a tractor is overheating is the timing of the ignition. If I remember correctly, it was timed too late, but it may have been timed too early. Just for kicks, you might check the timing after you've looked at the other things that you and Skipper mentioned.

Tom in TN

 

[Dim Pete]

thanks for the help, new gauge, thermostat and cap are on order.
Temp rose pretty quick, I shut the tractor off at 190 degrees.

 

[markfredi]

Just a thought--the radiator may need a professional flushing and cleaning. Mine was overheating. i took it to the radiator shop and he said the radiator was not circulating water properly--that fixed the over heating problem