I got the infared temperature gun, checked it and boiling water registered 210F. Started the tractor and ran it at 1200 RPM's for 20 minutes. Temperature gauge went above hot! Block temperature went up to 185 before the top of the radiator started to get warm (thermostat opening). Block temperature never went above 188F and the top of radiator was 155F. I will check it again under a load to make sure, but it appears only the gauge is screwed up and I can safely recharge the system with anti-freeze. Temperature gun will become a permanent fixture on the tractor along with the cell phone........got to get a bigger tool box!
I expected it to go to nearly 200F since the thermostat is supposed to be 192. Anything under 205-210 should be OK, is that about right?
I expected it to go to nearly 200F since the thermostat is supposed to be 192. Anything under 205-210 should be OK, is that about right?