The above-average air temperatures have been causing many of us discomfort this summer, but by taking time to perform a few simple steps, we can keep our machinery running cool.
Excessive engine temperature is controlled by two things: airflow through the radiator/heat exchanges/oil coolers, and engine coolant circulation. If one or both of these systems is compromised, your engine, air-conditioning system or oil cooling systems will not cool properly.
The first step is to determine if your cooling system is receiving proper airflow. Many of these systems can be accessed today by removing pins or bolts to allow you to slide or swing the oil coolers and heat exchange units out of the operating position to a location where you can view and clean them and the radiator. Once you have done this, check to make sure the units are clear of dirt and debris.
The most common cause of power system overheating in the dirty environment of hay production, grain harvest and many other types of farm harvest is lack of airflow through the cooling system. Most farm machinery today has filtration screens to reduce the accumulation of dirt and chaff in the radiator, air conditioner heat exchange and oil coolers. If you find large particles such as hay leaves or chaff in the radiator, you should check the rubber seals around these screens. Over time, heat and oxygen cause these seals to break down and collapse – allowing dirt and larger particles to flow past the screens and lodge in the cooling system.
If the rubber seals are allowing material to accumulate in the system, replace the seals and clear the dirt and debris that is restricting airflow. To do this, use an air compressor or power washer. There are precautions to be taken given either method. When running hard on the circuit of my custom haying operation, I prefer air to water, but you need to be sure that your air compressor is not aspirating lubricating oil with the air. Before applying pressurized air to the cooling system, be sure to shoot air onto a clean, dry surface that will allow you to see any fine droplets of oil. Older air compressors and compressors on semi-tractors are notorious for providing air contaminated with a fine mist of oil. Applying air contaminated with oil will compound the problem – causing your system to collect and lodge more dirt.
I caution you to be careful when using a pressure washer. You will need to allow time for the system to dry completely after power washing. If you put a machine back to work in a dusty environment immediately after power washing, the dust particles will lodge in the airways of the system, turn to mud, dry and solidify, and become even harder to remove later.
That brings us to another major cause of dirt collection that prevents airflow to the cooling system. Small oil leaks, coolant leaks, fuel leaks and air-conditioning system leaks all can coat the external surfaces of the cooling system, collect dirt and restrict airflow. If, when removing the dirt and debris from the cooling system, you notice any oily material in the small openings of the system, you have a leak in one of the previously mentioned systems. This is a situation that you should remedy immediately. The smallest dust particles collect on an oily surface and restrict airflow very quickly. You will need to locate the source of the leak, repair it and restore airflow to the cooling system.
A steam cleaner is the most efficient way to remove all of the oil and debris from the system and surrounding area, but if a steam cleaner is not available, you can use a pressure washer and a few cans of engine degreaser. Once the system is clean, identify the source of the leak and repair the problem. Note that you will want to allow the system to dry or blow the water out of the airways before putting the machine back to work in a dusty environment.
As mentioned earlier, the two main causes for system heating are lack of airflow and lack of coolant circulation. If you have checked the radiator, oil coolers and heat exchanges and found them to be free of dirt and debris, you likely have a loss of coolant circulation in the engine block. If an inspection of the engine fan, belts and water pump does not reveal the problem, it is likely a sticky or stuck coolant thermostat. If you are still having issues with heat after replacing the thermostats, clean the internal parts of the cooling system with a quality radiator flush. Always replace the existing coolant with a high-quality coolant rated for industrial equipment and trucks. These coolants have additives to prolong the life of the system, including anti-electrolysis components.
Stay cool, and the best to you through the remainder of harvest. PD
Michael J. Thomas is a freelancer writer based in Idaho.
PHOTO: Small oil leaks, coolant leaks, fuel leaks and air-conditioning system leaks all can coat the external surfaces of the cooling system, collect dirt and restrict airflow. If you're having issues with overheating, cleaning the oil and debris is the first place to start troubleshooting. Photo by Lynn Jaynes.
