Ford 850 Radiator

[AF1]

Its 60 degrees here. I cranked my 850 Ford and let it idle for 10-15 minutes. I topped off the radiator with water and felt both radiator hoses. Both were normal temperature?? Is this right? Tractor was plenty warmed up. Advise?? Thanks everyone. AF1-NorthWest Florida

 

[john in la]

While both hoses should feel warm to hot with engine running; I really got to ask what was the temp gauge reading. IS IT OVER HEATING???????

 

[AF1]

I have no temp gauge on the 850. on my things to do list...coolant with cap off was hot..just no heat in either hoses...without the temp gauge is there a way I can find out if water is circulating? Appreciate it.. AF1

 

[Larry NCKS]

Now you got me confused. Both hoses were normal temperature, but there was no heat in them????? How could they be normal without heat?

Start your tractor with the radiator cap off. After you "think" it is warmed up, observe the fluid in the radiator. Can you see it move? If you can it is flowing.

 

[AF1]

Not trying to confuse..both hoses are air temp even after tractor has been running for 15 minutes. I did look at fluid with cap off and I could not tell that it was moving..it looked like it was not flowing. Antifreeze was hot..as I said earlier I have no temp gauge yet..thanks!

 

[john in la]

Think about what you said for a minute.

"coolant with cap off was hot..just no heat in either hoses"

If the water in the radiator is hot then the hoses should be hot also. The only way for heat to transfer from the motor to the radiator is threw the hoses; and the upper hose should be the hottest.

Some things you might try since you do not have a temp gauge installed.

Send the wife to the corner store for a coke or a ice cream bar. While she is gone steal her meat thermometer and stick it in the neck of the radiator. Try not to touch and metal with it so you get a true reading of what the water temperature is.

Drain some of the water out the radiator to where you can just see the fins threw the neck. Start tractor and look in the neck and see if you can see any water moving. The water comes from the engine to the radiator via the top hose. So if this test did not work you can loosen the hose clamp on the radiator upper hose and see if water pumps from the hose when the engine is running.

If you have been using this tractor I am willing to bet the only problem you have is your brain running wild with ideas. Like I have told you before..... A good temperature gauge will solve these worries.

 

[AF1]

John...how right you are..was not thinking. Just how did that water get hot in the radiator? Cant blame it on the Florida weather cause we had a low of 21 at my house. I will drain more out then see if I can see it circulating. Sorry to fluster you on this...AF1

 

[john in la]

"21"
I feel sorry for you.
Our low for this winter has been 28. Got down that low 3 nights so far.
At my dads house (in New Orleans) you can still see some people cutting grass every now and then. There low for the year has been 32.

I am willing to bet if you let some of the water out you will be able to see the water splashing around as it comes out the upper hose.
Do not worry I am not flustered.

 

[AF1]

Thanks..fixing to say goodbye to AF Special Operations after 24 yearas and go to work for Haliburton Bayroid drilling fluids once again...looks like Venice LA...appreciate your patience as I never get the seat time I deserve as I am always downrange and other places.. Its all good! AF1