Hot Weather Operation
 

Question for all who are versed in engine operation.

I am scheduled to run my 1250 in a parade on Saturday. The predicted high for the day is 102 degrees. The parade starts at 4:00 P.M., and runs for about 2.5 miles.

The tractor has side curtains, an in-tact muffler box, and, what I believe to be, the original grill. The tractor has headlights, which may limit upper air intake. I do not have the rubber plug for the spark plug, but probably could make one. There is fresh CaseIH Akcela low ash engine oil, SAE 30 in the crank case. I use 87 octane gasoline without ethanol. Occasionally, I add an ounce of MMO and Stabil to the gas if I know it won't be used within a reasonable length of time.

Am I putting my beloved 1250 at risk by participating in this parade under these extreme conditions?

No, you are not putting it at any risk at all. It's made for that.

The engine gets its​ air from the flywheel side, the flywheel has a fan built in to it that sucks in air and pushes it out the front. Having headlights won't restrict air flow.

Yeah, it's an air cooled engine...
If it's moving, or standing still, as long as it's running there's airflow.:beerchug:
Have fun in the parade.:beerchug:

And to add to what Jon said, and the group, starting with the Quiet line models, the engine fly wheels were changed in many ways from all the earlier engines. One was increased cooling capacity!

I would think unless you are pulling a huge float behind, up hill,no problem.
Idling along waving, and eyeballing everyone eating cool ice cream will not even make that engine break a sweat so to speak.
I'm sure you will be more uncomfortable than it comparatively speaking.:beerchug:
Enjoy your parade and pity the water cooled engines idling. :biggrin2:

Do a test beforehand. Run your 1250 around your neighborhood at a slow pace for 2.5 miles in the late afternoon or early evening. See how it does. This will give you an idea what to expect...

It's not going to overheat. The operator will overheat before that tractor will.

It's IH built...and it's got a Kohler engine.....(as long as there isn't a mouse nest underneath the flywheel tin etc) it's like a brick.

Enjoy the parade. Drink lots of water. :beerchug: