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Fiat Tractor 55-60 60-90 79-90 80-90 90-90 100-90 tractor factory workshop manual download

Theory — what a thermostat does and how it fails
- Function: a wax-pellet thermostat stays closed when cold to block radiator flow and force coolant through the short bypass, letting the engine reach operating temperature quickly. At its rated opening temperature the wax expands and pushes a valve open so coolant is routed through the radiator; partial opening modulates flow to maintain stable temperature.
- Typical numbers: thermostats open over a narrow band around their rated temperature (e.g. ~82–88 °C on many Fiat diesel tractors). Use the OEM rating for these models.
- Failure modes and symptoms:
- Stuck open → long warm-up, low running temp, poor heater output, higher fuel consumption, white exhaust smoke on cold runs.
- Stuck closed → overheating, very hot head/upper hose, steam, possible head gasket failure.
- Leaking or deteriorated gasket/O‑ring → external leaks, air ingress, poor circulation.
- Air pockets from past repairs → fluctuating gauge/overheat even with a good thermostat.

How to diagnose simply and reliably (in order)
1. Observe symptom pattern: slow warm-up vs overheating.
2. With the engine cold, feel upper radiator hose and bypass hose after a warm-up run:
- If upper hose stays cool and bypass warm → thermostat likely stuck closed.
- If upper hose warms immediately and engine runs cool → thermostat stuck open.
3. Run engine until temperature is above rated opening temp, then feel thermostat housing outlet or radiator inlet hose and look for coolant circulation; if pump running but no radiator flow when it should be open, suspect stuck closed.
4. Bench test the thermostat: remove and heat in water with a thermometer; it should begin opening at its rated temperature and be fully open shortly above that.
5. Also rule out: failed water pump, clogged radiator, collapsed hose, faulty fan clutch, bad gauge/sender.

Tools and consumables
- Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches), screwdrivers, pliers
- Container to catch coolant, new coolant, replacement thermostat with correct temp rating, new gasket/O‑ring, RTV if required by manual
- Thermometer for bench test, heat source
- Torque wrench (or tighten to manual spec)

Step-by-step repair (ordered workshop procedure)
1. Safety and prep
- Park on level ground, cool engine, disconnect battery earth if required for safety.
- Drain coolant to a level below the thermostat housing or partially drain via drain cock so you don’t spill the whole system.
2. Access
- Locate thermostat housing (usually at cylinder head/water pump outlet on these Fiat tractors). Remove any obstructing hoses/components.
- Loosen hose clamps and remove hose from housing to access housing bolts.
3. Remove housing and thermostat
- Remove housing bolts and separate housing. Be prepared for coolant spill.
- Note orientation of the thermostat; most Fiat designs have the spring/short tail toward the engine (spring faces engine block). Remove thermostat and gasket.
4. Inspect and bench-test
- Inspect housing face, bore, and mating surfaces for corrosion, pitting or erosion. Clean thoroughly.
- Bench-test thermostat in water: heat slowly, watch valve; it must begin opening at its stamped temp and move smoothly to fully open. Replace if it doesn’t operate or is sticky/slow.
5. Replace parts and prepare surfaces
- Fit new thermostat (correct temp rating) in the original orientation (spring toward engine block unless the part/manual states otherwise).
- Fit new gasket or O‑ring; ensure mating surfaces are clean and dry. Use recommended sealant only where specified.
6. Reassemble
- Reinstall housing and torque bolts to spec (or evenly and snug if spec unavailable). Reconnect hose clamps.
7. Refill and bleed cooling system
- Refill with correct coolant mix. Open any bleeder screws on the head or thermostat housing if fitted.
- Start engine with heater on high and cap off. Allow engine to reach operating speed/temperature. Watch for steady stream of bubbles; when bubbles stop and thermostat opens, top up coolant.
- Squeeze upper radiator hose to expel trapped air as thermostat opens; close bleeder(s) when only coolant flows.
- Replace cap, run engine to normal operating temperature, verify stable gauge reading and absence of air pockets/cavitation noise.
8. Final checks
- Inspect for leaks, verify proper warm-up rate, ensure heater output adequate, check upper hose gets hot once thermostat opens.
- Re-torque after a short run if required and recheck coolant level after cool-down.

How the repair fixes the fault — matching cause to effect
- Stuck closed: replacing restores the valve so coolant can flow through the radiator when hot. That re-establishes heat rejection, preventing overheating and reducing head/ gasket stress. Bleeding removes air trapped behind the closed thermostat which otherwise blocks flow.
- Stuck open: replacing restores the closed state when cold, forcing coolant through the bypass and letting the engine reach normal operating temperature faster. That improves combustion, reduces wet stacking/consumption, and restores cabin heat.
- Leaky housing/gasket: replacing the gasket or housing and sealing surfaces stops coolant loss and air ingress. Without air pockets the system maintains proper pressure and circulation.
- Incorrect thermostat temp: fitting the correct-rated thermostat returns the designed operating temperature range; wrong rating can cause persistent over- or under-temperature operation.

Quick troubleshooting tips (no fluff)
- If gauge reads hot but hoses feel normal and radiator is hot, suspect gauge/sender before tearing down.
- If the pump cavitates or radiator is blocked, replacing the thermostat alone won’t fix overheating — check pump impeller and radiator passages.
- Always use the correct thermostat temperature rating and replace the gasket/O‑ring.

End.
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