Overheating M5700

[vvbigbb]

been wiping out briars, kudzu, grape vines, etc. in rough country (typically New England) with a 3000 lb grapple in front of my M5700 and running engine very slowly in 1st gear, low range, 4 wheel drive and after about 1 hour of work it starts to overheat. The water fill bottle is full, radiator screen is clear. This 5 cy is a workhorse, but maybe it needs more throttle, which I am reluctant to use, also the grapple is run off the auxiliary hydraulic lines. I don't want to damage this beauty so, I need ideas.

 

[Jim L.]

Sounds that you need more throttle.

The engine works better at the proper rpm. Running too little rpm will wear the engine faster.

Still need enough air through radiator, and a clean radiator inside and outside.

 

[85Hokie]

I would agree on the rpm's too. Low rpm is not a good thing other than for slow movement.

I would check the radiator again, clean and C L E A N are completely different versions of clean!!!

YOU could have a head gasket problem - for you sake I hope not.

Get a infrared thermometer and do a little engine temp checking around upper hose - radiator top and bottom and lower hose connections.

Report back with your findings

 

[gcmiller]

The only thing I can add to what's already been said is to take a hose to the radiator. I was amazed at the amount of gunk that came out of mine when I did this and it's been running cooler since.

 

[Bulldog]

When is the last time you flushed the cooling system. Unless you're running ELC you need to change it every 2 years. It won't freeze but it does loose it's ability to dissipate heat.

Aside from getting to cooling system in shape I would switch it to Amsoil 5w30 heavy duty diesel oil. It may not sound like it would help but this oil will lower your engine temps.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Have you checked the radiator?
The overflow bottle can be full and the radiator low.

Is it actually over heating or just running hot?
Overheating would involve it spitting water/antifreeze/steam out of the radiator.
Is the gauge reading warm/hot or very hot?

 

[vvbigbb]

Spewing steam out the overflow tube hot

 

[85Hokie]

Spewing steam out the overflow tube hot

Get the infrared thermometer and take temp points along the cooling path, you will see where the heat is building up.

Do as others have said, check all the fluid levels, clean everything - check water pump belt? Fan belt? All of these things add to the problem if unchecked.