Jim in Western MI
Member
Have mowed grass and bush-hogged pastures nearly weekly with my early 8N (front-mount, 12v, EI) this summer, without difficulty or issues. Yesterday, about 1 1/2 hours into a 2 hour job, with temps in the mid-80's (not as hot as some days), it began spewing steam from the radiator cap overflow hose that terminates underneath. Driven to the barn without problem and shut down. After cooling off, the 50:50 Prestone:Water mix was still above the fins and about 3 below the top of the radiator..., which is where I keep it, so little coolant was lost and no fluid was dripping from the water pump. Fan belt is normal and alternator is charging, so no loose belt issue. This morning checked: started normally, but after warming up no turbulence could be seen in the top of the radiator and after a few more minutes began steaming again out the top of the radiator (cap off).
I would think a stuck thermostat (which has probably not been touched in many years), but I don't know why or how it would cause this 1 1/2 hours into use and I think it would have overheated sooner if it was stuck closed at the start-up. Can a water pump quit circulating without leaking? Someone has probably had this problem, what did it turn out to be? Trying to avoid taking off hood if I can, since back problems don't allow me much lifting strength these days.
I would think a stuck thermostat (which has probably not been touched in many years), but I don't know why or how it would cause this 1 1/2 hours into use and I think it would have overheated sooner if it was stuck closed at the start-up. Can a water pump quit circulating without leaking? Someone has probably had this problem, what did it turn out to be? Trying to avoid taking off hood if I can, since back problems don't allow me much lifting strength these days.