radiator shutters

[kxt710]

the radiator shutter on my wd was rusted closed when I pulled it off to get the shutters open it fell apart with no hope of rebuilding it. I can buy another but are they really necessary? what is the function? thanks KT

 

[bjb in TX from Ne]

When running on kerosene it was important to get the engine up to running temperatures before switching over (esp in cold weather). The basic starting procedure was
Close shutters
Start on Gas
Warm engine
Switch to Kerosene
Open shutters.
My B has the Gas engine (noted by a G on the serial number) and never had shutters (no hole in the front sheet metal). The hood does have the holes for the gas starting tank.

 

[LenND]

Shutters were also put on most deisel engines. Try driving a deisel when its 20 below withoiut them.

 

[kxt710]

But running regular gas in central Florida should be fine right? Doing some research I do not see the need. Thanks kt

 

[Ted J]

You won't need them. I live in Wisconsin and don't have any in my WD-45. The problem during the winter up here is that they don't want to warm up. I need to close off part of my radiator with a piece of cardboard to reach the proper operating temps. Unless it gets to 0 or below for you, I wouldn't worry. If it gets that cold down there, I'll call you... LOL

 

[BushogPapa]

Your WD-45 should have a Thermostat..

You really DO need to have the engine up to "Operating Temp" because Wear is much higher at the reduced temp. and fuel will contaminate the oil far more..
Proof of the Wear can be found in any "In-Line" engine where the waterpump is on the front of the Block..
The Front Cylinder WILL have more Wear on the side the cooler water enters the block.
I usually put a coat of Permatex on that area of the front cylinder to help reduce that process..
They DO run much better, "up-to-temp"..and the oil flows better Plus, the hotter engine will help warm the rest of the tractor..

Ron..

 

[kxt710]

I understand about getting the tractor up to operating tempeture - do the shutter just make that happen faster? My assumption is the tractor will get up to temp (170 degrees) while idling.
Also thanks for the responses. KT

 

[BushogPapa]

Nope, in cold weather, the water gauge will never move...
The shutters not only make the engine warm up faster..it will MAKE the engine get "up to temp"..
Without a thermostat or shutters, the engine will probably never get over 100 degrees..possibly less..

At least put a cover over the front, to get it to run warm enough to get the water temp gauge to move..

Ron..

 

[BushogPapa]

Nope, in cold weather, the water gauge will never move...
The shutters not only make the engine warm up faster..it will MAKE the engine get "up to temp"..
Without a thermostat or shutters, the engine will probably never get over 100 degrees..possibly less..

At least put a cover over the front, to get it to run warm enough to get the water temp gauge to move..
Idling in Cold weather, the water temp will drop off the scale, even with the shutters fully Closed..


Ron..