So early last year (spring) my Ford 8N blew a leak in the top radiator hose so I replaced it and installed a new thermostat (in the correct direction - pointy piece facing the radiator) and the tractor ran all season until this winter started overheating and it was determined to be a bad thermostat which I confirmed by boiling it and replaced with another new one (in the same direction).
Ever since I replaced the thermostat, the tractor still overheats and starts to stall out, the following is an odd sequence I've repeated which may help determine the root cause...
1. Tractor stalls or I park it after running for 5-10 minutes (spreading manure)
2. I slowly turn the radiator cap to allow pressure to escape
3. Air pressure is released pretty quickly (no coolant escapes except for a few drops sprayed)
4. Once pressure is released, I hear glugging into/out of the radiator (possibly the thermostat finally opening??)
5. This last time, a good bit of "smoke" poured out of the radiator cap (that was not off but wasn't fully closed either) (no smoke prior to opening cap, just pressure)
It seems like the thermostat is not opening once the engine is warmed up and only opens when I open the radiator cap, which seems unlikely to be related, but has happened too many times to just be a coincidence.
Anyone have a clue what's happening? This new thermostat was boiled tested to 180 degrees appropriately and this was happening as soon as it was installed so I am pretty hesitant to think it immediately went bad.
Help please
Ever since I replaced the thermostat, the tractor still overheats and starts to stall out, the following is an odd sequence I've repeated which may help determine the root cause...
1. Tractor stalls or I park it after running for 5-10 minutes (spreading manure)
2. I slowly turn the radiator cap to allow pressure to escape
3. Air pressure is released pretty quickly (no coolant escapes except for a few drops sprayed)
4. Once pressure is released, I hear glugging into/out of the radiator (possibly the thermostat finally opening??)
5. This last time, a good bit of "smoke" poured out of the radiator cap (that was not off but wasn't fully closed either) (no smoke prior to opening cap, just pressure)
It seems like the thermostat is not opening once the engine is warmed up and only opens when I open the radiator cap, which seems unlikely to be related, but has happened too many times to just be a coincidence.
Anyone have a clue what's happening? This new thermostat was boiled tested to 180 degrees appropriately and this was happening as soon as it was installed so I am pretty hesitant to think it immediately went bad.
Help please