520 got hot

drastic dave · Oct 7, 2019

Just had head gasket replaced and have been running water to make sure there were no leaks. Pulled a wagon load of kids on a hay ride and it got hot. Is the 520 a pressurized system? Can a loose fitting cap cause it to get hot or would it be the thermostat? Or both? Is there a proper level for coolant?

John Deere D · Oct 7, 2019

Why was head gasket replaced?

Did you or someone else replace head gasket?

If you replaced head gasket was old gasket compared to new gasket?

Was proper torque procedure followed when installing the head?

Any signs of bubbles in coolant?

Yes cooling system is pressurized..

Pulling a wagon load kids never caused the temperature on my JD 520 to ever get hot...

I lost the rad cap on my JD 520 pulling two bottoms 16" plow and it certainly never go hot..

Was the thermostat removed?

Was thermostat replaced?

Parts book calls for 180F > 202F thermostat (Gasoline models)....

I keep coolant level approximately 1" below the point where the rubber of the thermostat contacts the sealing face of the radiator..

Any recent history of work done to water pump?

Bob. Owner JD 520 S# 5204450

drastic dave · Oct 7, 2019

I replaced the head, gasket matched up to holes in head. There was no head space on coolant level. I just got the tractor last fall and don?t have a history of repairs. I torqued the head bolts gradually to 104 and left it for 24 hours and re torqued it. Head gasket was replaced because it was leaking coolant. I have not checked to see if thermostat is missing or stuck but plan to replace it and the cap. Just wondering if others had a similar problem and how it was fixed. My manual only has about a paragraph about the cooling system. I?m not a mechanic but just seeking help of those that are more familiar with the 2 cylinder tractors. Thank you for your reply

John Deere D · Oct 7, 2019

I keep coolant level approximately 1" below the point where the rubber of the thermostat contacts the sealing face of the radiator..

My mistake....

Should have read...I keep coolant level approximately 1" below the point where the lower / Inner rubber of Radiator Cap contacts the sealing face of the radiator..

Bob...

Mark-Ia · Oct 7, 2019

How hot is hot?

susandiane · Oct 7, 2019

I'd leave the cap off and run the engine until is was "hot" enough to open the thermostat. Then look into the radiator with light and see if there's water circulation. If not or very little, carefully open the drain plug on the bottom of the thermostat assembly and see what comes out and how hot. If there is a good flow there after the water drains out of the header tank, the thermostat is probably open (or missing?). Typically a water pump failure will result in leak at pump. However, I had one on a 70 that had the impeller blades rotted off but didn't leak-or pump- a drop. If the pump and thermo check out, suspect a plugged core inside or out. Also check grill screen as them can plug up easily but not obviously. Good luck, the 520 is a wonderful machine!

drastic dave · Oct 7, 2019

Almost pegged out my gauge and steam out the radiator cap

drastic dave · Oct 7, 2019

Tractor dieseled a few times when I shut it off. Cranked it today and fan and water pump are not turning.

Mike M · Oct 7, 2019

Well the fan not turning is likely the cause of the overheating. I see more tear down in your future.

ET · Oct 8, 2019

The splines in the fan shaft are stripped.

520 got hot

drastic dave

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