Gradually Overheating?

[Neo7]

I have a Husky with a 24HP B&S. Some time back I fitted a dual temperature display to monitor the Transaxle temp (usually 65DegC) and the engine (oil filter) temp (usually 70DegC) and I have kept an eye on them both over the last few years. Tranny Temp is still the same but more recently I have noticed that when I finish mowing (the usual lawns) the engine temp is 99 to 105DegC.(221DegF).

Is that too hot? and any ideas what could be causing this heat creep?

Many thanks.
Neo

 

[Skippydiesel]

I would suggest that the transmission oil temperature is low and the engine is now about right.
In general - oils are engineered to be most efficient in the 95 -110 C continuous range and suffer no ill effects if they peak, for a short time, up to 130C.

The rise in engine oil temperature could be related to oil formulation change, dust/debris on the cooling fins, higher load (mowing faster/blunt blades, your weight, etc)

If in doubt, contact the oil manufactures technical advisory service for a more informed comment.

 

[slomo]

dust/debris on the cooling fins,

yup.

 

[slomo]

Do you operate the engine at an idle slash slow speed?

 

[Neo7]

I use an airline "in and under" that shroud after most uses. But just to be sure I will take the shroud off, take a better look and come back to you.

 

[gregjo1948]

I have a Husky with a 24HP B&S. Some time back I fitted a dual temperature display to monitor the Transaxle temp (usually 65DegC) and the engine (oil filter) temp (usually 70DegC) and I have kept an eye on them both over the last few years. Tranny Temp is still the same but more recently I have noticed that when I finish mowing (the usual lawns) the engine temp is 99 to 105DegC.(221DegF).

Is that too hot? and any ideas what could be causing this heat creep?

Many thanks.
Neo

Of course, be sure the engine fins are clean for good air around the cylinders. As your engine ages, the piston rings wear, as do, the cylinder bores. As they wear, there will be more "air" sneaking down into the oil pan/sump, past the rings causing the oil to gain temperature. When the engine fires, it actually is an explosion causing the piston to be forced "down". Some of that explosion is forced pass the rings into the sump and raising the temp....

 

[Johner]

I have a Husky with a 24HP B&S. Some time back I fitted a dual temperature display to monitor the Transaxle temp (usually 65DegC) and the engine (oil filter) temp (usually 70DegC) and I have kept an eye on them both over the last few years. Tranny Temp is still the same but more recently I have noticed that when I finish mowing (the usual lawns) the engine temp is 99 to 105DegC.(221DegF).

Is that too hot? and any ideas what could be causing this heat creep?

Many thanks.
Neo

Do you know the ambient temperature at the same times. Could be dirt under the shroud.

 

[59cummins]

If it was me and there was no obvious issue I would swap temp probe positions to determine if the temp probes are accurate. If readings are the same then ther may be an engine issue.

 

[Forest#2]

You can also use a IR thermometer and get instant readings at different place on the block. They are priced reasonable now days.

Let the engine set and run at fast rpms for awhile and monitor temp.

 

[grumpyunk]

If you are a bit lazy, and want to check for fin blockage, you may be able to slide a hand under the cylinder, between cylinder and chassis, and feel for good airflow being blown from the flywheel blower down past the finnage and onto the top of the chassis. If the flow feels good and strong, you likely have little to no blockage of the fins by debris.
Be sure to feel for flow below the cylinder head area as that is likely the hottest spot, combustion and stuff, you know...
Oil a little bit above the boiling point of water is reasonable to me. Running an air cooled engine at idle diminshes the airflow and can lead to overheating. Idle rpms also decrease the oil splash and heat transfer capability. RIding back to the barn at slower rpm to 'give the engine a break' is not a good thing to do. Better to keep the rpms up.
tom