Antifreeze/coolant

[MHanson]

I have a Kubota 4030SU. Recently, while changing antifreeze, I noticed in the book where it stated to use only permanent type antifreeze and specifically stated not to use the semi-permanent type. What is the difference? I refilled it with Prestone. Is Prestone adequate for this application? The engine appears to run at the same temperature as before. I'm concerned with preventing/minimizing cavitation. Will Prestone be suitable for cavitation prevention if changed annually? I've only owned the tractor for a year and I assume that it has been changed as scheduled during its life. Is it advisable to add a conditioner to the antifreeze?(Like the conditioner that is recommended for Ford Powerstroke cooloing systems to prevent cavitation)

 

[Roy]

What color is the original? They are all not just 'green' anymore, and never mix types. A good article on the types of antifreeze is at http://popularmechanics.com/popmech/auto3/9903AUSMM.html

 

[Bird]

The regular Prestone is ethylene glycol (permanent) type anti-freeze and is just fine. The old semi-permanent and/or alchohol based anti-freeze would even be hard to find today. Of course, they have now come out with some newer, longer lasting, and non-toxic types, but I don't know a lot about them yet. And most of the anti-freeze brand, such as the Prestone already have rust preventatives and lubricants in them and no additives are necessary.

Bird

 

[MHanson]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with me. My antifreeze is green.(new and old) The more I thought about the permanent/semi-permanent issue it bothered me. Thanks again.