BX coolant drain access?

[wotalota]

I'm a bit challenged when it comes to mechanical servicing. The BX24 is due for the 300 hour service when the weather warms up a bit. Last time I passed on draining the coolant because I wasn't confident that if I got the plug off I could get it back on again. I didn't manage to get a pair of pliers on the clip that clamps the drain plug either from the side or underneath. It looked like removing the hood and oil filter would be needed.

How does one approach the task, and is there a alternate to reusing the plug like a drain tap that will fit?

Tom

 

[BotaBX24er]

Sounds like the first thing you need to do is to read your operator's manual on servicing your tractor. Get a good feel for it (very similar to changing the oil on your car, just a lot more fluid). Then go and get the right tools for the job (pliers will not work). If you still can't understand from that, then you need to bring it into the dealer.

 

[wotalota]

There wasn't much to it. Once the front guard and engine cover were removed the lower hose was easily accessible.

 

[rvcrawford]

If it's like the BX1850 then there is a drain plug just below the injector pump (left side of engine). It will allow you to drain the engine block.

 

[ayelvington]

If it's like the BX1850 then there is a drain plug just below the injector pump (left side of engine). It will allow you to drain the engine block.

I have a BX24, and the radiator drain is high relative to the block. The only real way to complete the drain is to remove the lower radiator hose.

 

[rvcrawford]

I have a BX24, and the radiator drain is high relative to the block. The only real way to complete the drain is to remove the lower radiator hose.

Yes that's the same for the BX1850 but just removing the lower hose will not drain the block so you need to do both.

 

[wotalota]

Yes that's the same for the BX1850 but just removing the lower hose will not drain the block so you need to do both.

The 1st picture shows the lower hose and just beyond it the drain plug that seems to correspond with the drawing in the user manual. In the second picture on the other side of the engine, is the bolt marked red the block drain plug? Nothing about it in the user manual that I found. Does the water temperature need to be hot to open the thermostat when draining?

 

[rvcrawford]

Tom,

I drained mine when it was warm but not hot. Be very carful because you can get a nasty steam burn if you open it up when it's hot. I disconnected the lower hose and removed the bolt in your second picture. It seamed to drain the entire system. I refilled it with distilled water, ran the engine up to operating temp, let it cool for about 30 min, drained again and then refilled with Fleetcharge 50/50 mix from NAPA.
I don't know if the Kubota requires the anti-cavitation additive or not but the Fleetcharge has it.

Good Luck.
Roger

 

[Skyco]

Guess I should have searched here before I drained my BX24 coolant last night...only got half of it out the radiator drain...odd the workshop manual doesn't mention the block drain.
That drain cap with the spring clip is a PITA to get off..especially since mine was assembled to place the ends of the clip in the most impossible orientation they could have picked, there is a sadist on their assembly line. Put it back on with a worm clamp pointed where I can get to it next time

 

[thavil]

Guess I should have searched here before I drained my BX24 coolant last night...only got half of it out the radiator drain...odd the workshop manual doesn't mention the block drain.
That drain cap with the spring clip is a PITA to get off..especially since mine was assembled to place the ends of the clip in the most impossible orientation they could have picked, there is a sadist on their assembly line. Put it back on with a worm clamp pointed where I can get to it next time

I totally agree with you on the cap they put on for the coolant drain. I was never able to get it off. After reading this same post, I drained mine by removing the lower radiator hose but didn't get it all out. I re-read the post a day later and saw where he mentions the block drain. I went back outside and drained from the lower radiator hose and block drain and got it all out that time.