Temp on 4020 LP

[Dan B]

How important is the temp on an lp tractor? What would be a good temp for a 4020 on lp? Have had some backfire through the intake issues and trying to get figured out. Poosible fuel issue. Have done valve clearance-ignition-timing.Tune up. Seems to do it when engine is cooler under long load.
Any help or comments appreciated.

 

[Mike M]

I think temp. will be very important as the converter will tend to freeze up when cold. That's why they run hot water through it.

Also what plug gap are you running ? I never paid much attention before and set them like gas engines.Barely ever work on the LP models. Well the specs. on LP usually call for a smaller gap for some reason. So make sure you are setting them to the proper spec. for that LP engine.

 

[4020LP]

200 degrees would be just fine. Just as long as it isn't boiling, the hotter you can run any engine, the better it will run, and the better it is for the engine. I don't know where this idea of "Oh, don't let the engine get over 170 degrees" or whatever, came from, but it's BS. Make sure your thermostats are working as they should, and bring that engine temperature up. Your tractor will love you for it.

 

[Texasmark]

I had one once and overhauled it. Found out that it definitely wants the advance timing; 25 degr. BTDC as I recall. Number is in the manual.

Additionally, mine ran extremely hot, not over 200 but right there any time I put it to the plow.

Mark

 

[Dan B]

Thanks to everyone for the input -when time allows and warmer weather prevails I will get back in the shop and test the temp and check the thermostats.