350 operating temp

[JDCI]

Hi, what is the normal coolant temperature range on a JD 350 with a 3 cylinder gas? I tried searching, but couldn't find the answer. Thanks.

[LeonardL]

Some where between 150 and 190 degrees on a gas engine. Any more than that, you probably have issues.

[JDCI]

My friend's machine gets up to 230 during use. How big of an issue is this?

[digitup2]

This really depends on the crawler ,operator ,job at hand, humidity and the condition of the cooling system .All are big factors I was looking over my 3-550J's stats sheets and the three different machines all show different maximum temperatures .Our new 550 K has 120 hours on it and with tear4 compliance it has a higher operating temp [195plus range] .Looks like this is going to take some getting use too.I all ready hate this machine but this is the way everything is going [I wish Deere would get the 450K on the market as soon as possible . The big thing with older Deere dozers is keep the rad clean inside and out !! .higher temp will give you a bit better fuel economy but is hard on components .At 230 degrees the coolant is starting to boil and this is also hard on sleeve's, liner's, and seals this is where sleeve pitting starts to show and coolant break down occurs as well so better his machine than yours but warn him don't go any hotter or it will cost big time .Digitup.

[LeonardL]

Well... Yes... That's too hot! First of all he needs to check the gauge and or temperature sender to make sure he is getting a correct reading.
Does the machine feel abnormally hot? If it is 230 degrees it should be extremely hot to be around. If it is then I would suspect a few different things and it could be any one or a combination of all of them.
First... Is the radiator clean?
Second... Is there plenty of coolant in the radiator?
Third... Is the fan belt tight?
Fourth... Is there exhaust gases bubbling in the radiator?
Fifth... Is the thermostat stuck closed? Engine hot and radiator cooler?

As I said there are few different things that can cause an engine to over heat. 230 degrees is an extreme temperature. Even if the ambient temperature is in the triple digits it shouldn't be over 200 degrees tops.
I have been running my brothers 450 here in MO where the outside temperature has been in the 100 degree range for weeks now. His machine has never gotten over 195 degrees even on a couple of 115 degree days. It is a diesel and they typically run cooler but even a gas engine shouldn't be running much more than that on a hot day.

If the engine doesn't feel abnormally hot, then I would check the gauge and temp sender and make sure they are functioning properly. If they are okay, then check everything else.