A tractor’s cooling system consists of several components, including a water pump and a radiator. These two main components of the tractor cooling system differ in their functions, braking problems, and preventive and corrective maintenance procedures.
A basic pump is made up of three major parts and a number of smaller minor parts.
The three main components are the outer casing, the central shaft and the water impeller. One end of the impeller shaft fits into the circular impeller and the other end of the impeller fits into the casing. The impeller shaft fits into the casing through a sealed bearing and copper bushing called a shaft deflector.
A section of the drive shaft protrudes from the casing and a single or double groove pulley is fitted over it. A key is used to ensure that the pulley does not slip off the shaft.
The continuous rotation of the shaft, which turns the impeller, pulley and fan blades, will wear out over time due to normal wear and tear. The sealed bearing will be damaged over time, just like the copper bushings. The impeller can corrode over time from the continuous cavitation of the coolant flowing through it.
These damaged bearings and bushings will result in slight vibrations initially and then a small amount of coolant leaking through the bearing area. At this time, it is advisable to change the water pump.
On older Allis Chalmers, Case, IH, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Ford, New Holland, Kubota, Deutz, David Brown, Farmall tractors, the water pump pulley is attached to the fan hub. If the leaking water pump is not changed, there is a risk that the bearing will break completely. This complete braking will cause the pump pulley and hub to rotate dangerously, and the fan blades can cut into the radiator, producing additional faulty components, i.e. damaged radiator and fan blades.
On newer tractors, the fan blades are electrically driven and are separate from the hub and pulley system.
Regular inspection of the pump can prevent this, or better yet, the pump should be changed after a certain number of hours of operation. A leaking pump can be quickly repaired with a water pump repair kit. Repair kit components may include an impeller, impeller shaft, gasket, bushings, bearings, and retail clips.
If the pump casing is damaged, it is necessary to change the entire water pump.
A number is stamped on some casings. Get that number and call your parts supplier.
