Has anyone installed a coolant temp gauge on one of these older models? Just put this back together after purchasing it with the engine disassembled. Runs really well but not knowing the coolant temp is disturbing.
L245DT Coolant Temp.
- Thread starter Lenny
- Start date
Get you one of those infrared digital thermometers. Harbor Freight, Wal-mart, other places about $20. Then you can check temp. of anything on your tractor, or make sure you AC is putting out cool air this summer!!
85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
Before you jump to conclusions.....go and getcha a laser pointed heat sensor and find out what the temps are all around.
here is a cheap one :
http://www.harborfreight.com/infrared-thermometer-93984.html
test all the "hot" spots then decide if you need to tap in with a gauge. That too can be a simple task.
hit the spots :
off of head,
top of radiator
bottom of radiator
and return to block
tell us what you got!
keep that radiator clean and you really should not have any problems.
here is a cheap one :
http://www.harborfreight.com/infrared-thermometer-93984.html
test all the "hot" spots then decide if you need to tap in with a gauge. That too can be a simple task.
hit the spots :
off of head,
top of radiator
bottom of radiator
and return to block
tell us what you got!
keep that radiator clean and you really should not have any problems.
85Hokie
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
85Hokie, I think it's just beginner's luck! Probably just got off the starter block quicker.
But anyone who doesn't have one of those gizmos is missing out on the best $20 tool you can own.
I use mine to check the heating elements in a 220V heated ceiling embedded on the sheet rock, check the temp. on the condensing unit fan motor (in the summer), air supply vents, water lines in well house, engine cylinder not firing, thermostat opening on engine, upper/lower radiator hose temp., check the temp of the water running out of the well when there is snow on the ground!!!! No end to the fun.
But anyone who doesn't have one of those gizmos is missing out on the best $20 tool you can own.
I use mine to check the heating elements in a 220V heated ceiling embedded on the sheet rock, check the temp. on the condensing unit fan motor (in the summer), air supply vents, water lines in well house, engine cylinder not firing, thermostat opening on engine, upper/lower radiator hose temp., check the temp of the water running out of the well when there is snow on the ground!!!! No end to the fun.
IR temp is nice, but what #'s are normal or cause for alarm? My L245DT does not have any gauges either. They come with a whistle on the overflow line, that's it. I've never thought to check mine, the only time it's ever got hot and spewed coolant was when the fan/water pump belt broke, normal working I hardly even get a drip let alone a whistle out of the thing. These things are built pretty tough if the manual/warnings only say to let it cool off and refill the radiator after the whistle blows.
85Hokie
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BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
MagKarl,
I would say that "normal" numbers would be something close to 220 F coming off the head where the top hose connects, something like 200F around the top of the radiator and then something like 150-160 around the bottom hose as it enters back at the block.
If I run around and play on my B7100 - My temps RIGHT at the upper hose are about 180F - if I cut grass with the MMM and operating at 90%WOT I will hit 210 and stay there........cut off the MMM - and idle for a while it will come back to 190F
Most cars operate right around 210 this is hot enough to allow the oil to burn off bad stuff and yet cool enough not to hurt nuttin!
HTH
Never even thought of an IR thermometer, thanks for the replies. I will have to go to Harbor Freight and pick one up !
85Hokie
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
BX-25D ,PTB. Under Armor, '90&'92-B7100HST's, '06 BX1850 FEL
If you wait a couple of days, this one on amazon is tough to beat!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ue&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_1&smid=A1YX6MRK2BDXS4
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mio-mmwhs-38-bk?seid=srese1&gclid=CMqako_wjMoCFQ6OaQodWRkGdw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TznhtRuA2N0
Here is a couple ideas to install a mechanical temp gauge. These seem easy to install in your radiator hose and then install the gauge to it. Just be sure your hose will fit it. I had a L245DT and I too was concerned. I didn't think the OEM whistle idea (there is a whistle on the overflow tube) was a good option.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TznhtRuA2N0
Here is a couple ideas to install a mechanical temp gauge. These seem easy to install in your radiator hose and then install the gauge to it. Just be sure your hose will fit it. I had a L245DT and I too was concerned. I didn't think the OEM whistle idea (there is a whistle on the overflow tube) was a good option.
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