Hot Weather Tips

How to Maintain Engine Cooling Systems
Your equipment’s cooling system plays a key role in how your equipment functions. It keeps the equipment from overheating, which can lead to costly downtime and serious damage. To keep the machine cool and keep the engine operating as efficiently as possible, take these steps to maintain the cooling system.

Check cooling fans regularly
Cooling fans help remove excess heat from the engine. Cracked, scratched, or otherwise damaged blades will cause the fan to not be balanced correctly, leading to vibrations that can cause harm to internal components. Don’t let debris build up around the fan, this can cause it to blow a fuse. Always inspect cooling fan blades for cracks, nicks, debris build up, or any other visible signs of damage at regular intervals.

Keep the radiator clean
Dirt, dust, and other debris can build up in the machine’s radiator, reducing airflow, impeding heat transfer, and causing higher operating temperatures. The increase in temperature can cause the engine to overheat, causing it to shut down. Power wash the radiator and cooler every few days, especially during hot weather, to prevent downtime and damage.

Perform routine coolant analysis
Regular fluid analysis will help you identify problems before they become major issues. Many water pump failures are caused by a concentration of antifreeze that is too high for the cooling system and could have been avoided with coolant analysis. The best way to prevent this type of failure is to routinely check coolant levels and send samples to a professional lab for analysis.

Inspect hoses and clamps
Hose to neck seals can wear out quickly because hoses and clamps expand and contract as the temperature in the equipment’s cooling system rises and falls. It’s critical to inspect all hoses and lines for cracks, leaks, or excessive softness or hardness. Worn seals will eventually fail, potentially leading to costly damage and repairs. In general, hoses should be removed and replaced every two years, or at a timeframe recommended by the manufacturer.

Pittman Tractor is locally owned and operated. We’ve been serving the Gulf Coast and surrounding area for more than 30 years. Talk with our team for expert service, repairs, and parts for your equipment.

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