Case 401 super Diesel

[LeeT]

401 diesel runs until it warms up and then water gushes out the over flow pipe. This can be repeated several times. The thermostat is new. The water pump was replaced 20 years ago. The temperature guage doesn't work and I've yet to find a replacement with a sensor cable long enough to reach.

My hunch is that the water pump isn't creating enough pressure to get water circulated to the thermostat. Then the water in the engine finally gets hot enough to release the thermostat.

Anyone have thoughts on this problem?

Thanks Lee

 

[Jim from Calif]

In my two 401 Supers and 801 diesels, I have drilled an 1/8" hole in the thermostat’s outer ring. This hole allows a small amount of hot engine coolant to circulate, thus the thermostat opens sooner.

Jim

 

[Anonymous-0]

I think you have a cracked head and/or blown head gasket, slimmer chance cracked sleeve. Anyway compression is escaping into the rad.

 

[DKase]

I think Lee is right. To check it out place the end of the overflow hose into the bottom of a clear jar, fill the radiator full of antifreeze, and place the cap back on. As it warms up and starts to overflow the radiator bubbles excaping shows compression leaking into water jacket, and if it is a thermostat problem the antifreeze will come out, and be sucked back in with very few bubbles excaping. Check your engine oil for antifreeze!!!! If it is thick and grey DO NOT RUN THE ENGINE!!! You will risk spinning a bearing.

 

[ca.hess]

That little hole will prevent a airlock when you fill RADIATOR also .Could be problem causing engine to overheat before it opens. A little air bubble will not transfer heat as good as water therby causing tractor to overheat before thermostat opens. Good idea Jim.

 

[Doc Larry]

The operator"s manual recommends opening the bleeder on top of the thermostat housing to remove any air locks in the cooling system.........

 

[gtx1967jewison]

to get a gauge try evergreen restoration (715)635-8629. he's a jd guy obviously but had the same problem on my R, he makes extra long ones. not cheap but better than a ruined tractor.