Antifreeze

Anonymous Poster · Jul 12, 2002

I have a Kubota 4030SU tractor, and I'm a little confused as to what antifreeze to use in the cooling system. The book says to use "permanent" type antifreeze and water. The "permanent" part is what is confusing. Must I use a pre-charged solution to prevent cavitation or not? It came with green coolant, so I assume it not to be extended life coolant. I believe that this tractor is around a '91 or '92 model. Any help is appreciated.

Anonymous Poster · Jul 12, 2002

I believe that any glycol-based antifreeze (the green stuff) will be fine. I'm not a fan of Dex-Cool (orange stuff)which is advertised as a long-life coolant - too many issues of it developing crud inside engine cooling passages. I know - GM puts it into everything they make, but ask your local dealer about the tech bulletins regarding this product. I have it in my own cars, but I still get the systems flushed every 2 years or so - cheap insurance. Also with this type of coolant, the radiator cap needs to be in top shape - any air leakage around the cap will cause the Dex-Cool to start developing mud as it reacts with air - that's another reason that it's used only in sealed systems.
Straight water is actually better at heat transfer, but the coolant does help to reduce corrosion and lubricate the water pump seals/bearings as well as raise the freeze temp. I think 50-50 is overkill and usually stick to somewhere around a 30% mix, but that's just me, plus I live in a warm part of the country.
Bottom line is that you should keep the system full, keep a good cap on it, and flush it/fill with new coolant on a regular basis. I also add a coolant overflow bottle if the original system did not have it.

Here's a link for some info about the Dex-Cool - I'm not saying to rush to dump it out, just be aware of its characteristics.

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.coolprofits.com/articles/anitfreeze-coolant/dexcool-macs2001.htm>http://www.coolprofits.com/articles/anitfreeze-coolant/dexcool-macs2001.htm</A>

JohnMiller3 · Jul 12, 2002

<font color=blue>...Understanding Wife ...</font color=blue>

Hi Chevdog...

Now, ... that's one of the best parts of life...! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

Anonymous Poster · Jul 12, 2002

AMEN.
Makes life much better.

karmakanic · Jul 12, 2002

Hi Mike,

I think any of our modern antifreezes would be classified as "pernament" by the standards Kubota was using when they wrote the manual. Non pernament would be something like grain alcohol, or some other such concoction farmers have been know to use to keep water from freezing.

I agree with chevydog that any of the glychol based antifreezes would be fine. I also agree you should run and hide from Dex-cool. But I would go with a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze. With the amount of aluminum in cooling systems nowdays, you need the protection of the antifreeze additives to keep electrolysis under control. This is also the best reason to change your antifreeze every two years or so.

BTW, want a quick and easy way to determine for sure if your antifreeze needs changing? Take a standard volt-ohm-meter and measure the voltage potential between the coolant and engine block. Just put the positive probe in the coolant and the negative on the engine. You'll get a voltage reading. When this voltage is above .3 it's time to replace your coolant. This works for brake fluid also.

HTH
Dave Perry aka karmakanic