my fix to overheating tractor

[Black Bart]

The cross-flow tunnel is installed. Test drive 86F ambient, no bagger system. Grass out of up spout. Mowed dry green light grass and weeds. Some grade mowing. Oil gauge temp climbed to 230F. Turned on fan. Temp stable at 230F several minutes, them dropped to about 225F and held for rest of mowing (15min). Before tunnel temp was not reduced when fan was run during mow.
Tunnel runs side panel to side panel , 7" dia inlet outlet. Possible more to come by slimming down the fan mount which is currently blocking some air in. Before shutdown ran fast idle 5 min. hood down. Temp dropped to about 205F and stable. (Recall the "old" cool down was with the hood raised) Motoman

Yep I can see how it would be better.:thumbsup:

 

[robert]

I'm confused but pictures will help I'm sure.

 

[motoman]

Before installation notes a word on TRACTOR. In the old days I could talk and say anything about TRACTOR, but recently he's almost like a changed machine. No trash talk about him is allowed-he gets really gnarly and aggressive. Not long ago I noticed what appeared to be baby teeth in his grille.
Anyway, he demands R-E-S-P-E-C-T, and I give it.

The BAT tray comes out easily (2 bolts and pry). I took 1 1/8" off the front and moved the BAT back for tunnel clearance. The tunnel is molded by hand around the Intek. Pop rivet AL flashing collars on both ends. The tunnel is feather lite and comes out with 2 screws. The 7" dia ports are cut with hand shears. More trimming of the fan shroud. You will not be sucked into the intake or blown over by the exhaust. Exotic materials by Home Depot. Motoman

 

[reddragon]

a little crazy!....i love the teeth!:laughing:[dont turn your back on him!]....that cross vent gets right to the point and does what it needs to....now maybe some mesh screen to cover the holes and your good to go dude!:thumbsup:..........p.s. how bout some crazy eyeballs?

 

[reddragon]

i was also thinking....can you put a smaller fan on that would match the exit hole better?....im sure it wont hurt efficiency :smile:.........good job man!

 

[motoman]

i was also thinking....can you put a smaller fan on that would match the exit hole better?....im sure it wont hurt efficiency :smile:.........good job man!

I recently saw a fan- cooler combo on line called "Northern Hurricaine" I think. It was really compact. I would look at it if I were doing this again. ($150). Regarding efficiency... I am struck at how little airflow can be detected by reaching into the tunnel. A lighted match will flicker at the exhaust port end, and will finally go out right up next to the cooler fins (fan on). This seemingly small flow is enough to draw heat out of the oil. As noted presiously only about 25% of the cooler catches fan air.

 

[motoman]

In case anyone is curious as of today the 'oil-cooler' tractor iis holding about 270F under worst case conditions here i.e., 80 F , on grade, 3 baskets full of damp grass, blades cutting. Fan is turned on once Bedee oil temp gauge indicates 240F. As baskets are dumped , engine idling, with fan on and hood down, temp drops below 240F ready for next mowing cycle. At about half way (basket content) temp climbs again and fan is used.