grandpa Love
Well-known Member
'55 Ford 640. Owned for 3 years. I put new radiator in shortly after I got it. Old one leaked. Never had a thermostat so last weekend I installed one. Also new temperature gauge. I tested it with hot water and cooking thermometer, it reads correct. Used tractor for an hour last week in 95+ heat, bushhogging. Temp ran up to 190 then dropped to about 175-180 and stayed there. Close to 90 today, started bushhogging and temp ran up to 190 then kept climbing FAST!! Hit 240 and shut it off. Looks like it blew out joint on radiator where top joins the main part. Fluid was being forced out at high pressure in several places. I pulled tab up on cap and leaks stopped immediately. Opened cap ,stuck finger in and fluid was cool. What the heck happened?