Ford 3000 overheating

FACTS: I’m mowing 5 acres with a 5’ brush hog (which happens to be new and blades are sharp). Not brush, just grass/weeds. I’m running in 3rd gear-Low. The tractor seems to be handling the mowing all right…the governor very seldom kicks in, just on the up hill slope or the real heavy grassy areas. Weather, high 80s to mid 90s. This has happened the last three (3) times that I have mowed. The last time yesterday.

PROBLEM: After mowing about 3 of the 5 acres, the overflow on the radiator starts running water. Not just dripping…flowing. Temperature gauge will go up heading for the hot range. I’ll stop, let the tractor cool down and refill the radiator in order to finishing the mowing.

WHAT I’VE DONE: After I finished mowing the last time, I decided to remove the thermostat. While I was at it, I replaced both radiator hoses, flushed the radiator and block-twice-forward and backwards (not high pressure, just with a garden hose). Washed (cleaned) the radiator of “crud” forward and backwards. Replaced the coolant and water. On close examination the gasket looked worn on the radiator cap so the cap was replaced.

Fixed? I don’t think so.

Yesterday, while mowing, the same thing happened. After about 3 acres had been mowed I noticed the temperature gauge going up, and I started watching the overflow. Yep, water was coming out. Just before it got to the high, red, hot range, I stopped to get something to drink, let the tractor cool down and checked the water level. It was low, right at 1-1/2 gallons. Refilled and tried to finished but had to stop once more to refill with water.

I would think if it was the water pump that it would heat up faster. The land is relatively flat, slight rise front to back, nothing that should cause a problem. Yesterday I even reduced the width of the cut.

I’ve tried to supply any information that you guys might need to help me. Sorry about the length but I could use some help or advise on this overheating problem. Thanks.