David Brown 880 overheating

BJS

Member
My David Brown 880A was leaking antifreeze while cutting grass so I parked and shut it off. As soon as the engine stopped about 1 1/2 gallons of antifreeze poured out. I have since refilled the radiator and started it up and nothing leaks. I assume the sudden loss of fluid was out the overflow hose. While running the water pump does not squeal and the radiator and hoses heat up, so I assume there is water circulation through the pump. Can I assume the thermostat and water pump are working properly?
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. BJS
 
Sounds like it merely overheated and then when you shut it off the stuff in the motor boiled badly. What does your temp gauge say? In a situation like that it's usually best to let the tractor run for a few minutes with no load, just sitting with the PTO off, just a little over idle (maybe 1000 rpm max), to let it cool down. Shutting it off abruptly when it's overheated can warp and crack things and blow head gaskets.
 
Probably not a big deal.

wash or blow out the exterior of the radiator, and make sure the fan belt is tight.
 
Might have been a stuck thermostat too. It happens. Either way, next time something is running hot like that, let it idle a bit before shutting down and see if the temp drops. I don't like shutting down a real hot engine, I like to let them cool a bit. If it's windy, park facing into the breeze, amazing how much this can help sometimes.
 

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