radiator issues

Dave H (MI) · Dec 9, 2014

So help me out a little here. This is an IH diesel engine on a 1660 hydro combine. Yesterday was moving it to the field and after two miles I have what looks like smoke pouring out the back. There was a crack in the top of the radiator about 1/4" long and steam was pouring out of there in a jet about 3-4' high. The overflow appeared to be boiling but, of course, this was likely more steam blasting out of the rad into the overflow. Enough to blow the cap off the overflow. What are the likely causes of that kind of pressure buildup and heating? Could low antifreeze have been a problem? There was some in the overflow but that doesn't mean it was getting thru the hose to the rad. Just want to make sure I don't have an engine problem. I never saw any lights, but I was dealing with some road issues so I could have missed them.

Steve@Advance · Dec 9, 2014

My guess would be the crack in the radiator tank had slowly allowed the coolant to boil off until the level was too low to circulate. That in turn allowed the temp to rise and the remaining coolant boiled in the engine, causing the pressure to rise above the cap pressure.

Try refilling it, see if it holds coolant (other than what escapes the crack) and runs at normal temp. If so, repair/replace the radiator.

If it continues to overheat, even when full of coolant, there could be other damage, like a bad thermostat (damaged from overheating), lack of air flow through the radiator, or leaking head gasket/cracked head.

IowaJohn · Dec 9, 2014

Dave, When that happens as quit as it did I'm wondering the thermostat(s) failed to open. You can take it out and test it/them in boiling water to see if it/them open or just replace it/them.

casecollectorsc · Dec 9, 2014

If it got hot enough to blow the radiator cap off and split the tank more than likely cracked the head.

J.Wondergem · Dec 9, 2014

Dave. You can check for a cracked head, or blowen head gasket by filling the radiator back up, start it up, then look for air bubbles coming up in the radiator.

Dave H (MI) · Dec 9, 2014

I think you are part right. The rad cap did NOT blow off. The plastic cap on the overflow is what came off. It doesn't fit real well to begin with. The engine had only been running for about ten minutes and I do believe it was low on coolant. I don't think the head is cracked but we will do the test tomorrow when we put the rad back in. Appreciate the comments.

Dave H (MI) · Dec 9, 2014

Been wondering the same thing. I'll have a look at that tomorrow. Thanks!

Dave H (MI) · Dec 9, 2014

Wrong cap. Just the plastic one on the overflow. I think/hope I got her shut down before there was any worse damage.

Dave H (MI) · Dec 9, 2014

I will do that, thanks! We have a really good radiator guy here locally by the name of Pablo. He met me at his shop and together we manhandled the rad into his tank and tested it. The only damage was the small crack at the top and he soldered that up. Could have done it in the combine but we were sure we had another leak...WRONG. So now we get to put it back in! I have help coming.

casecollectorsc · Dec 9, 2014

Remove the water pump belt before starting or it
will blow coolant out.

Bill VA · Dec 10, 2014

I agree - sounds like a blown head gasket. Any temperature warnings?

radiator issues

Dave H (MI)

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Steve@Advance

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IowaJohn

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casecollectorsc

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J.Wondergem

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Dave H (MI)

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Dave H (MI)

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Dave H (MI)

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Dave H (MI)

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casecollectorsc

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Bill VA

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