Temp gauge 1955 FMD

[leeroy]

Can anyone tell me the thread size where the bulb goes in? For now I'm looking to put in NAPA gauge.
And would the block drain be the same thread size? Previous owner had put in a heater which I want to remove.
Thanks,Leeroy

[leeroy]

I removed in line heater and think that may have been intoducing rust etc. into coolant. I still need to find thread size(5/8''-18 unf?) for temp gauge so I can get an adapter.
Does the temp gauge from Agri line have the adapter?
Still looking for pulley ratchet or specs for bolt if anyone has these.
Regards,Leeroy

[Dandy Dave]

I'm not sure off hand of the thread size, I think think these are pretty much a standard part. The OD threads on the adapter I believe are pipe thread. Then the temp gage bulb threads into that and seats the bulb. If you cannot get one from your parts supplier, you should beable to get one from a scrapper with older stuff around the yard. A regular pipe fitting will not work because it does not have a seat for the temp bulb to rest against. I believe that the adapter does come with a new gage, but you can always e-mail the parts suppier to be sure. Dandy Dave!

[leeroy]

Finally got time to order a temp gauge from Agriline but temp barely went up.Realized tractor had no thermostat.Got one -installed- started tractor and water was forcefully coming out overflow pipe.
It seemed to slow down but I had already gotten too nevous and shut her down.After a few minutes of cooling down the level seemed fine ?
Can anyone clue me in on what this is?
Thanks,Leeroy

[Dandy Dave]

The radiator level does need some room for expansion. It will find it's own level. One quick check that is easy to do, When the tractor is first started and cold, look in the radiator top with the cap off and see if bubbles are constanly comming up. If so , Then you most likly have a head gasket problem. Dandy Dave!

[leeroy]

O.K. Thanks Dandy Dave-I needed that! Will be checking that shortly!

[brinky]

Thats intersesting, mine came with a brand new temperature gauge fitted and when ran for half an hour or so the temperature did not go up !!!
Not sure I want to investigate it though, it will just be another thing thats not working properly

[leeroy]

I tried but it was much more than bubbles-instead it was overflowing again on cold startup.I took the rocker cover off and there is thick creamy junk especially towards the fuel tank end of the motor.I'm assuming this confirms a bad head gasket?
Thanks,Lee

[Dandy Dave]

Let it run long enough to stop overflowing and "seek" its level. Then you should beable to see if bubbles are comming up in the coolant. The "cream" could be just from condensation. Dandy Dave!

[leeroy]

Alright,I will give her more time to find level.One more question after I idled her for 20 min the water was not warm at all, as cold as it went in.What would this indicate? I'm sure that it warmed up without thermostat?

[Dandy Dave]

Without a themostat the water pump may be pushing the water thru the system at a fast rate and this is causing your overflow problem at start up. No bubbles in the cooland after 20 minutes. I would say that you are safe! Install a thermostat. Dandy Dave!

[Pavel]

Apart from the obvious, i.e. allowing the tractor engine to reach and maintain it's correct operating temp., the thermostat has another function -- that of imparting flow speed so that the coolant reaches the rear cylinders. The best illustration is that of placing ones finger partially over the end of a hose of running water -- the water jets further away. Obviously having a thermostat is important. It may well be a good idea to remove it from the housing and test it by tying it to a piece of cotton and placing it in very hot water to see if the flap opens. Even new ones can be faulty.
Also, if after you've run the tractor for awhile to warm up, then stop it and allow it to cool, you will find no water underneath the rad. cap as the normal coolant level when cool/cold is slightly below that of the filler hose. If, believing the level to be low, and you top it up, you will have water flowing out of the overflow pipe each time as the heat expands it. Having to put only a pint [half a litre] does not indicate a problem -- but half a gallon or more after only 20 mins. of running would be cause for concern.
Pavel