New to tractor ownership and looking for advice (MF165 Perkins gas engine).
I've had this tractor for several months and this is the first problem I've had with it - and I'd like to figure out how to diagnose the problem and and/or confirm I'm not going to do damage by running it.
This is what happened. Sunday evening I use the tractor with a back blade to start plowing snow on a 3/4 mile driveway. Tractor works great, driveway gets half cleared but I run out of time and end up leaving it near the end of the driveway to have dinner with the neighbors. When I return 2-3 hours later the tractor won't start (no sound at all). I walk home.
The next morning the tractor starts fine and I continue clearing snow, but within 10 minutes I notice coolant pouring out on the right side. I immediately shut down, but I can't tell precisely where it was coming from, although I believe it seemed to have boiled over and drained from the overflow hose that attaches near the radiator cap (with some being sucked in / spattered by fan). Top radiator hose felt warm/hot, but bottom hose cool.
Left tractor where it was and I subsequently topped up coolant and replaced the radiator cap with new 7lb. Drove tractor home next day in 2 short 5-10 minute rides so as not to overheat anything and parked in barn (no problems - although I wasn't plowing, just driving). Oil appears fine. What would cause this? For what it's worth, I have never flushed / replaced the coolant since I owned it... Also, I don't think the temp gauge works.
My best guesses in no particular order:
Clogged radiator
Stuck thermostat
Bad water pump
What would you look at / replace? How cautious should I be in using it so as not to cause any damage to the tractor? Also, what coolant should I be using?
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks!
I've had this tractor for several months and this is the first problem I've had with it - and I'd like to figure out how to diagnose the problem and and/or confirm I'm not going to do damage by running it.
This is what happened. Sunday evening I use the tractor with a back blade to start plowing snow on a 3/4 mile driveway. Tractor works great, driveway gets half cleared but I run out of time and end up leaving it near the end of the driveway to have dinner with the neighbors. When I return 2-3 hours later the tractor won't start (no sound at all). I walk home.
The next morning the tractor starts fine and I continue clearing snow, but within 10 minutes I notice coolant pouring out on the right side. I immediately shut down, but I can't tell precisely where it was coming from, although I believe it seemed to have boiled over and drained from the overflow hose that attaches near the radiator cap (with some being sucked in / spattered by fan). Top radiator hose felt warm/hot, but bottom hose cool.
Left tractor where it was and I subsequently topped up coolant and replaced the radiator cap with new 7lb. Drove tractor home next day in 2 short 5-10 minute rides so as not to overheat anything and parked in barn (no problems - although I wasn't plowing, just driving). Oil appears fine. What would cause this? For what it's worth, I have never flushed / replaced the coolant since I owned it... Also, I don't think the temp gauge works.
My best guesses in no particular order:
Clogged radiator
Stuck thermostat
Bad water pump
What would you look at / replace? How cautious should I be in using it so as not to cause any damage to the tractor? Also, what coolant should I be using?
Any advice appreciated.
Thanks!