temperature gauge

[MatthewT]

I just replaced a Temperature Gauge in my MF 175 with a new non-electrical model. And it doesn't seem to work either. It's such a simple mechanism, I can't figure out what the problem is. Has anyone else run into the same, or do you know the trouble-shooting steps on this one?
Thanks.

 

[miner09]

Not familiar with 175 but the gauge you installed does it have the probe that screws into thermostat housing? If so it will work when the water gets hot. That's how it works.

 

[ptfarmer]

Does your tractor have a good thermostat, has it been removed, or is it stuck open. The thermostat is designed to open if it should fail so the engine doesn't get overheated. If the thermostat is missing, or stuck open it will not get hot. So I'd check the thermostat first.

 

[trains]

Is it a capilliary tube type, if so, is the tube kinked, or squashed anywhere along its length.
As a rule, I always check those type of gauges with a known temperature gauge in a saucepan of water over a flame with the bulb in, and check where the needle points at 70, 80, 90, 100 C on the gauge before fitting.

T

 

[MatthewT]

The tractor does have a thermostat on the right side. I'll take a look at the thermostat but I'm actually not sure what I'm looking for or how to tell if the thermostat is good.
And yes, the gauge is the capillary type that screws into the radiator--not the thermostat, but on the other side of the tractor. I'm still puzzled.

 

[Inno]

The radiator will remain cold until the engine gets warm enough for the thermostat to open and allow the hot fluid to be cooled off in the rad and circulate the cooled fluid back through the engine until it's cool enough for the thermostat to close. If the thermostat is not opening the radiator will never get hot enough for the temp. gauge to register anything. It will also overheat.

 

[Inno]

How long are you running the engine to check if the temp comes up? In order for the temp gauge to register anything the radiator hoses will be warm/hot to the touch.

 

[trains]

If you want to start from the basics.
take out the temp gauge bulb, put it in known hot water, and check the gauge.
When you took the old one out, did coolant leak out the hole where the bulb goes, ive seen them become so encrusted that water / ie coolant dosent get to them at all.
If its not leaking, and cooling system is full of water, gently pick out the blockage, and you should be good to go, temp gauge pickup should be on the engine side of the thermostat, so it shows engine temp.

Trains

 

[trains]

(quoted from post at 14:10:51 11/23/17)
If you want to start from the basics.
take out the temp gauge bulb, put it in known hot water, and check the gauge.
When you took the old one out, did coolant leak out the hole where the bulb goes, ive seen them become so encrusted that water / ie coolant dosent get to them at all.
If its not leaking, and cooling system is full of water, gently pick out the blockage, and you should be good to go, temp gauge pickup should be on the engine side of the thermostat, so it shows engine temp.

Trains

Cant edit, but just realised you mentioned your pickup is fitted to the radiator, not the engine, didnt realise they did things this way.
See other posts above for advice.
Trains

 

[old]

Checking a thermostat is easy unless you have a wife who will not let you use the stove. Simply put it in a pan of cold water and turn on the heat. As soon as it starts to open check the temp of the water so as to be sure it opens at the temp is should be opening at

 

[Phil Tibbetts]

I'd be interested in knowing exactly how it is fitted to the radiator. Never seen that hookup on anything. Pics would be a big help.

 

[ptfarmer]

The only radiators I've see were you could put temperature sender in it was in a car to operate the electric fans.

 

[ptfarmer]

I do believe this is where the water temperature sender goes on a 175.

 

[Inno]

Not sure why they'd put in on/in the rad as you're really not getting a good idea of the engine temperature, which is way more important than the radiator temp IMO.