Dave H (MI)
Well-known Member
So much good advice, but the winner in that category is John_PA who suggested that I table the whole business over Christmas, enjoy all the good food and relax. I followed this advice to the letter and I hope everyone had as good a Christmas as we had here! So I have not even logged on to these forums since the 23rd. I want to thank Al Baker for his kind offer. Probably gonna take you up on that, but don't expect to leave here without getting something for your time. Just getting back into things so let me get my act together and I'll be in touch.
I have been over the combine in the interim. I have looked all over the engine and found no external issues. No fluids leaking anywhere on the engine of any obvious nature. Turbo has been examined. There is no evidence of oil leakage there. I have pulled oil from the case, nothing but good oil. No obvious coolant leaks, no discoloration from water...just oil. I refilled the oil and it only took two gallons to fill. Engine started fine. Ran it for about ten minutes then shut her down and let it cool for a bit before rechecking the oil. Still full. In line gauge used and it shows good oil pressure. Topped off hydro, raised head and moved unit off field. No problems with operation, power, etc. Not going to do the oil test at this time, will wait until new oil has been in there a few weeks.
Combine is now in a secure location, out of the way, on property I own. It is not needed again for most of a year. Corn is done. I am well aware that there is still a problem and will keep looking until I find it. I have detailed notes from the comments made by people who I felt had something positive to offer and I am working thru them as time and weather permit. We have had a meeting here and have decided before Spring to have it taken in and completely gone over and repaired as needed. It will pay me back eventually. I have plenty enough experience to know that.
Can't remember where I left the corn...forum-wise that is, but it has all been picked and delivered to the elevator. Moisture varied from load to load but ended up being in the mid to upper 20's. So drying cost came down. Price per bushel rose a little. End result for corn was that I ended up just a hair over the break-even point. Given bad weather, inexperience and a general tendency to do the wrong thing at the right time, I am happy with that result. Overall farm results for the year are much better. Rents are good, hay was a record. Even with the rad repair we are solidly in the black.
Been working on stringing some video together of the corn harvest. Looking pretty good but I want to work on it a little more. Hope you all have a Happy New Year! The weather is already better! Thanks again for all your many helpful comments over the year!
I have been over the combine in the interim. I have looked all over the engine and found no external issues. No fluids leaking anywhere on the engine of any obvious nature. Turbo has been examined. There is no evidence of oil leakage there. I have pulled oil from the case, nothing but good oil. No obvious coolant leaks, no discoloration from water...just oil. I refilled the oil and it only took two gallons to fill. Engine started fine. Ran it for about ten minutes then shut her down and let it cool for a bit before rechecking the oil. Still full. In line gauge used and it shows good oil pressure. Topped off hydro, raised head and moved unit off field. No problems with operation, power, etc. Not going to do the oil test at this time, will wait until new oil has been in there a few weeks.
Combine is now in a secure location, out of the way, on property I own. It is not needed again for most of a year. Corn is done. I am well aware that there is still a problem and will keep looking until I find it. I have detailed notes from the comments made by people who I felt had something positive to offer and I am working thru them as time and weather permit. We have had a meeting here and have decided before Spring to have it taken in and completely gone over and repaired as needed. It will pay me back eventually. I have plenty enough experience to know that.
Can't remember where I left the corn...forum-wise that is, but it has all been picked and delivered to the elevator. Moisture varied from load to load but ended up being in the mid to upper 20's. So drying cost came down. Price per bushel rose a little. End result for corn was that I ended up just a hair over the break-even point. Given bad weather, inexperience and a general tendency to do the wrong thing at the right time, I am happy with that result. Overall farm results for the year are much better. Rents are good, hay was a record. Even with the rad repair we are solidly in the black.
Been working on stringing some video together of the corn harvest. Looking pretty good but I want to work on it a little more. Hope you all have a Happy New Year! The weather is already better! Thanks again for all your many helpful comments over the year!