Checking temperature

[gainestruk]

Using a temp gun the most I ever got was 212* at oil filter, so it's hard to tell if that is wrong I would need to use motomans probe to see what I got.

I would say what ever you get go out and get test temps just running and then mowing, that way you can see if it suddenly goes up you know there is a problem and need to shut down to cool.

I have faith in hand held heat temp gun and use it to make sure I don't go over say 215*
I do mow less than ingigo my yard takes about 1hr and 20min start to finish. As much as you are mowing ingigo I would suggest you get something to check temps, also every month or sooner take shroud off engine and make sure engine Finns are staying clean also every time you check oil make sure screen is clear of debries so air can freely flow thru engine, I would also keep oil at full mark all the time, the oil helps cool and more you have the better it does.

 

[bertsmobile1]

Berts and IL ENG and I have a long running conversation over heat and the low end ac engines. Once again let me state I am ref point only when it comes to statistical fact as I have only owned one mower , the Craftsman dyt 4000 with Intek 24. You should never predict a political outcome here. Now stated, any universal truths from my babbling may be suspect.....BUT I will state adamantly what I have found with my unit. That under load in summer the oil temp runs up fairly quickly to 250F (which would be ok if stablized there), then to 280F regularly as the 3 bin grass containers fill up. At ambient here at around 85F I see indicated 290F-300F on the Beedee gauge and have posted pictures in this forum. When around 300F I stop for 5 min and let the fan run which reduces the oil temp 50F.

IL ENG has suggested my unit is unusual or needs rejetting. I am at 1800 ft, but plugs read ok , never burnt a valve. Yes I am a tinkerer and have enjoyed the gauges. Again I say an OIL PRESSUE gauge is useful and not a worry. Once accustomed to its reading it can suggest if your oil level is low-jump off immediately and check the stick.
The Intek runs 35-40 psi hot after 12 years on 1 acre mowing and hauling, 5W-30 Mobil 1. An owner running one of these big box unit SHOULD worry about it self destructing. I have said an ideal gauge would include a rubber hammer to bonk the owner on the head if necessary. A cheap red light can be easily rigged up with or besides the gauge.

The oil temp gauge speaks for itself. The sensor soaking and running in liquid pan oil is very enlightening. I have referee tested the gauge with my KE thermometer and did find it a little high. So perhaps indicated 300F is "only" 285F. Who wants that? Why do the better class mowers have oil coolers? Peace and brotherhood.:wink:

Joe average will only look at the gauge when the mower starts to check it is working then ignore it till the engine starts to seize.
Ask any one who services engines about how many low oil seizures they get from a mower with no oil leaks.
I bought 200 keyrings when I took over that are 3" round so they fit over the dip stick and when I deliver a mower that is where I put the key and encourage owners to keep it there so it "won't get lost" and "will always be handy"
The little ploy seems to be working as serial engine seizers have not been back for a while.
Next trick will be to print the tag on cloth so they have something to wipe the dip stick on.
At least once a week in season I get a desperate " I got off the mower to....... and now it won't start" and these are always mowers with oil sensor cut outs hooked into the starting circuit.

Now if you enjoy doing it then more strength to your arm but get on to the oil company and check what is the temperature range of the oil you are using.

 

[motoman]

"the engine seizers"..I love that one. Oil operating ranges have been beaten to death here and everywhere. It's the cooling thing.

 

[ingigo]

yes gaines. I always stripped my Briggs down and busted out the air compressor to really get in there, and did it often. the air cleaner it key too, with the right amount of oil on the prefilter. with hydrostatic you can slow down to put less load on the engine without altering the throttle. The Kohler I have now has no pre filter and seems more modular...less tools. I do not like that but I have not had a problem working with it with at all, it runs cool. I think the key is like the transmission , a fan and good airflow. I would love a little fan under my hood...until then I just find shade and open the hood.

 

[motoman]

The fan I put on my Intek 24 rig is off a Nissan and does not cool the oil cooler during movement, but does quickly draw off 50F at idle, no load. Better fans are out there and quite compact. I have seen that several of factory oil coolers are without fans, relying apparently on semi static air circulation . We know from car use of trans coolers a good blast is required during operation to work well.

 

[ingigo]

how well does anyone think those fans on the transaxle do much?

 

[motoman]

Here's an idea I floated a while back that many of you are familiar with. The tempil stick-a propriety name for the temperature crayon used by welders. You can get these in a wide range of temperatures for around $10. They are accurate to 1%. To use just draw a little line on the metal surface and watch if it melts. If so you are at or above the dedicated temperature. I would buy one at around 310F to check on head temps away from the exhaust header (s).

Oh...BTW you will look very natty as these come with a clip and can be worn on a pocket protector for that final touch. Bert, I believe you should attach one to the "engine seizer's" rigs along side the red tags on the dip stick tubes.:laughing:

 

[bertsmobile1]

I got a set of them some where, haven't used them since I got the Dillon gun
OTOH profit margins are not quite that high so we might leave it at a 54c key ring.
I have noticed some green, red or purple dollops of what I originally thought was paint on all the new Briggs engine I have fitted this year and now you have me thinking as it was on the same place on the head bolts.
So maybe B &S have decided to fit some tell tales on their engines.

 

[motoman]

the dollops...verrrry interesting. So if a dealer sees melt he will check for rodent nests, weed clogging and then......da da.. will immediately write a big check or replace the offending equipment.


An aside Bert...I just read about Australia's water. Seems like you should buy up some rights and stop getting callouses wrenching...

ingigo, why not take a reading with the fan and then one witihou...assuming you would not damage anything

 

[ingigo]

Tempil stick! What a genius idea. Keep it simple stupid technique, love it. I am getting those as soon as I can! Thanks motoman!

I am trying to find a way to better see the gasoline level in the small opening with the hash marks located below the front of the seat. Most mowers use them now as it is just an opening to see the bottom of the gas tank, telling you when to stop mowing and go home. Anyone have any tricks? Can I dye the gasoline with food coloring or it there in any thing on the market I could use? It is not a huge issue but would be nice to just glance at the level instead of stopping to stare at it. Thanks!