Over heating Radiator

[mike murphy]

My 1946 2N tractor overheated today. What do ya'll think could be the problem. I think I had the water level too high in radiator. What else could cause this?

 

[Jimmyjack]

The cooling fins could be plugged up, the water pump could be failing, or the block could be gooped up. It could be as simple as the fan belt slipping.

 

[Bruce (VA)]

Check out tip # 24 at the link.
75 Tips

 

[mike murphy]

ok thanks Jimmy. How would I know if water pump is not working?

 

[mike murphy]

Thanks Bruce

 

[Royse]

How do you know it overheated?
Was it just pushing water out of the overflow?

 

[mike murphy]

yes Royse

 

[Caryc]

Bruce's tip #24 is correct. If you over fill the radiator, you might get away with it in winter but in summer, it's going to run hotter and expand that water so it has to go somewhere.

Also clean your radiator fins. I use a high pressure nozzle to blow water through both sides and then blow it out with an air nozzle. You'll be surprised how much crap can accumulate in those fins.

If you blow it out with air first, you'll see how much crap will come out of there especially if you run a brush hog.

 

[Royse]

The tip on water level is spot on and that may be the issue.
Do you have (or have access to) a hand held infrared thermometer?
They're pretty cheap at Harbor Freight etc. About $15 when they're
on sale. Of course, they're not on sale this week. Example
I really like to know what the engine temp really is.

 

[mike murphy]

Thanks for the advice Caryc

 

[mike murphy]

Hey Royce I have one at work and I will check Temp. of engine. What should Temp be? Thanks Mike

 

[Royse]

If you have a 160 degree thermostat, I would expect the top
hose where it leaves the head to be right about 170. Give or take.
Different spots on the engine will give you different readings of course.
Antifreeze doesn't boil at "low" temps like water, (212 degrees normally
accepted boiling point for water) it varies based on the mixture but is higher.
So unless its really hot, above 200 or so, the problem may not be overheating.
If it is really that hot, it is a different problem that needs to be fixed.

Disclaimer - don't rely on these numbers as gospel.
Hand held thermometers have variances in calibration and all
engines run a bit differently. These are just what I see on mine.