Trying to figure out where to start with trouble shooting but I have an overheating problem on my BX2370. Coolant levels are good (but has not been flushed in a couple years) and I have tried cleaning the radiator and mesh screen with compressed air. After 10-15 minutes of running the temp keeps creeping up without signs of slowing. I haven't let it get all the way to the red but it has been close a time or two and the engine is definitely hot if I pop the hood right after. Think a coolant flush as a next step? I was almost wondering if maybe I should check the thermostat first since there seems to be plenty of coolant in the system.
BX2370 Overheating
- Thread starter dboblitt
- Start date
Blue2Orange
Well-known member
Equipment
BX2380 with LA344S & QH05. SB1051. SG0554. BB1248. RB0560, Vassar dirt bucket
Hours? Routine coolant flush and change prior to the last one couple years ago? Quality coolant and if not premix using distilled water? Ambient air temperatures when running?
How tight is the "fan belt"?
Does the fan have all its blades?
I too would question if the thermostat is opening fully ... If the engine is "hot" but radiator isn't ... That would be a good sign the thermostat was not working
But a flush would be on my short list!
If after all of that ... If you have a infrared thermometer gun to check the actual temperature ... That would help confirm that your gauge isn't lying to you.
Does the fan have all its blades?
I too would question if the thermostat is opening fully ... If the engine is "hot" but radiator isn't ... That would be a good sign the thermostat was not working
But a flush would be on my short list!
If after all of that ... If you have a infrared thermometer gun to check the actual temperature ... That would help confirm that your gauge isn't lying to you.
120 hours so it has only be flushed the once. That was done by a dealer after some rodent damage so not sure of the coolant type. Ambient was only 60 F when it started.
Thanks, hadn't thought of the fan belt. Fan has all its blades and appears to spin fine while running but I should check the belt. I do have a IR thermometer, top of the radiator was at least 200F after running for 15 minutes or so, didn't check the engine itself but may give that a try next.
I don't know if it happens with Kubota BXs, but it's common in Polaris Rangers to overheat with air in the coolant system. Possibly purging air from the coolant system will help.
First thing I would do is actually clean the radiator fins with some soap and water or spray a coil cleaner, let it sit per directions, then rinse with water.
Then your thermostat is letting the hot water out there, but radiator is not cooling ... Air is great if it's "fresh" dirt/crud ... But once it's cooked on it's gonna need some liquid help.
Try to get a light behind the radiator and look through it, my guess is it's plugged up ... You could look through it from either direction, or use you phone to get in position that your hand will fit, but your head won't.
Cleaned off the fins with compressed air from the engine side and gave a gentle wash with water as well. Did slightly better but after a 1/2 hour running it had climbed nearly to the red again. Took an IR thermometer and engine was reading 225F or so, radiator inlet and outlet both seemed to be reading the same (about 185F)
Blue2Orange
Well-known member
Equipment
BX2380 with LA344S & QH05. SB1051. SG0554. BB1248. RB0560, Vassar dirt bucket
Another guess.
Might be wrong. But told that pH of radiator coolant is suppose to be on the alkaline side to reduce the chance of corrosion. Could check your coolant's pH.
Possible even with the low hours that the radiator has build up due to corrosion? Never have used. Unsure if effective. The various radiator cleaning flushing solutions.
On the previous tractor owned for ~25 years I use to water flush and change the coolant at least every other year. Until the last coolant change. Low hours/year with less need. Switched to a Yanmar branded extended life coolant. BX is new. Plan is to change oil/filter and coolant annually even with relatively low hours of use.
Might be wrong. But told that pH of radiator coolant is suppose to be on the alkaline side to reduce the chance of corrosion. Could check your coolant's pH.
Possible even with the low hours that the radiator has build up due to corrosion? Never have used. Unsure if effective. The various radiator cleaning flushing solutions.
On the previous tractor owned for ~25 years I use to water flush and change the coolant at least every other year. Until the last coolant change. Low hours/year with less need. Switched to a Yanmar branded extended life coolant. BX is new. Plan is to change oil/filter and coolant annually even with relatively low hours of use.