Anti Freeze Coolant - So What's The Story?

[ModMech]

I would follow the Kubota Operator's and Maintenance guide to the letter and DO NOT use ANYTHING marketed as "universal". The coolant suppliers cannot test their formulations on every conceivable product combination, but the OEMs can and do. I'm not saying you need stuff from an orange bottle, but whatever you do use must be prescribed by the book.

Many antifreeze formulations react negatively with some, or many, of the older fluids so caution is the word of the day. BTW, if you mix antifreeze types and have a negative reaction, you will be the only one spending time, effort and money fixing it. The supplier will not care or participate, regardless of what it says on the bottle.

PS: Be sure to use distilled water for make-up, tap and well water can have minerals that will reduce the fluid's useful life.

 

[TomSeller]

Whoever decided to make a coolant that was not compatible with other coolants was nuts. Could you image that with engine oil?

 

[ModMech]

Whoever decided to make a coolant that was not compatible with other coolants was nuts. Could you image that with engine oil?

Oh they have! Detergent vs non-detergent, API S vs C (spark vs compression ignition) and CI-4 vs CJ-4 (cannot use CI-4 on newer diesels with DPFs.

It is a HUGE problem for the consumer, fluid companies say their products are compatible, but the reality is much different.

 

[Soundguy]

API S vs C (spark vs compression ignition) .

Or at least 'S'ervice vs 'C'ommercial..

 

[mccash40]

Maybe someone on the forum could do a pictorial antifreeze change on their BX for us visually oriented owners. I always need pictures when it comes to building or repairing things. Too much TV when I was growing up, I guess. That thread of the 50 hour service was excellent. I refer to it all the time.