50:50 Coolant Mix Dilemma

[applepicker]

Moved to Kubota forum

 

[fried1765]

I am using a 50:50 premix coolant for my BX2230. If I flush with water and drain and then fill radiator with the 50:50 mix, I will not have the proper cooling mixture because of the residual water in the engine block. How do others deal with this dilemma? My local Kubota dealer sell the 50:50 mix. I know using full strength coolant would solve the problem but I bought 2 gallons of the 50:50 stuff. Can I flush with water first, then flush with the 50:50 mix a few times?

Your profile does not indicate that you even own a tractor, or tell us where you live.
Unless you live in Northern Canada or Alaska you should be just fine with adding 50/50, after draining all the water at the lowest point in the cooling system.

 

[applepicker]

I live in central California and have a BX2230. If I follow your suggestion, then my coolant system will not have the Kubota recommended mixture of 50:50 but rather ?.

 

[mcfarmall]

As Fried said, flush the cooling system with plain water. Drain all the plain water from the cooling system completely at the low point radiator and any engine block low point drains. Fill the system with 50/50 premixed coolant from the jug. Your owners manual for the tractor should show where the drain points are located so that you get all the water out of the system.

If you're not satisfied with the results or the suggestions provided, drain the system and add one gallon of full strength concentrate. Next add plain water. Check the coolant concentration with a Prestone or equivalent hydrometer and continue adding plain water until you reach a concentration that will protect your tractor for your lowest expected temperature in your location.

And remember, dilution is the solution to pollution.

 

[Wolfy]

You don't have to be exactly 50/50. I doubt the Kubota will know or care if the ratio is 60/40.

 

[applepicker]

50:50 Coolant Dilemma

I am using a 50:50 premix coolant for my BX2230. If I flush with water and drain and then fill radiator with the 50:50 mix, I will not have the proper cooling mixture because of the residual water in the engine block. How do others deal with this dilemma? My local kubota dealer sell the 50:50 mix. I know using full strength coolant would solve the problem but I bought 2 gallons of the 50:50 stuff. Can I flush with water first, then flush with the 50:50 mix a few times?

I live in central California and have a BX2230.

 

[Dan33Klein]

Re: 50:50 Coolant Dilemma

There may be block drains to drain out all the water on your model engine. Maybe someone that knows will chime in. If not a little concentrate added first will solve the problem. Either way test the antifeeeze after your done to make sure you have the proper mix?

 

[MossRoad]

Geeze, it's not that important to get exactly 50:50. Never flush with anti-freeze, as it's a huge waste. Flush with water. When you refill, add a quart of antifreeze, quart of water, quart of antifreeze, quart of water, etc... or just mix 50:50 in a jug and add that, until the radiator is full. Run the machine until the thermostat opens and starts sucking down the radiator, and follow any instructions as to how to bleed any air from the cooling system.

Pick yourself up an anti-freeze tester at Autozone and use that to determine the temperature protection level you need according to your manual. As the radiator drains down as the engine heats up, test the coolant and either add more straight antifreeze to lower the temp protection level, or add water to dilute and raise the temp protection level.

It's not rocket science and its not that critical to have it exactly 50:50. You just want it close.

 

[TMGT]

Re: 50:50 Coolant Dilemma

The little bit of residual water will not be a problem, if you're really worried about it check with a hydrometer after you fill it.
The 50:50 is a general rule but not an absolute, I try to stay with a mix that is safe for my lowest temp I will be operating at that also provides enough corrosion resistance.
Water has better thermal transfer then most coolants. Alot of antifreeze manufacturers will list the safe cold temp for different mixture ratios.

 

[number two]

Re: 50:50 Coolant Dilemma

If you are doing a preventative maintenance drain,there is really no need to flush.
Just drain all you can and refill with your premix.
Pulling the lower radiator hose and/or block drains if you want to be OCD is a option.
This will renew the additives to protect your cooling system for a few years.

Good Luck!