coolant change: your frequency

[94BULLITT]

I would change it whenever the owners manual says to. Like others have said use only distilled water. For testing your anitfreeze's freezing point you can buy one of these at a auto parts store.

 

[murphy1244]

I'll change it when I get around to it.

 

[3930dave]

I don't own a 'bota, so can't comment on specifics there.

General factors (time, AF type) have been pretty well covered in previous posts.

Since most of us run diesels, the other key factor to determine is if you need SCA in your application. Either already part of a diesel rated AF, or added as a supplement.

If you need SCA (or equivalent) to deal with cavitation corrosion in your diesel, and you don't install it, can get pretty spendy.

Rgds, D.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Thanks for the replies. I just bought 4 gallons of Peak Longlife from Advance Auto, the full strength for $38 using the A123 ($20 off) code on an over $50 purchase and I'll use distilled water for the mix.
I'm suspecting that the antifreeze is rarely changed every 2 years in very many tractors with any type antifreeze and when it is I'm betting it's the antifreeze the owner sees on the dhelf when he/she decides that maybe they might just go ahead and change that antifreeze. I also bet this sort of inspires a few to change theirs when they get a chance in a few weeks or months or next year.

 

[brin]

Thanks for the replies. I just bought 4 gallons of Peak Longlife from Advance Auto, the full strength for $38 using the A123 ($20 off) code on an over $50 purchase and I'll use distilled water for the mix.
I'm suspecting that the antifreeze is rarely changed every 2 years in very many tractors with any type antifreeze and when it is I'm betting it's the antifreeze the owner sees on the dhelf when he/she decides that maybe they might just go ahead and change that antifreeze. I also bet this sort of inspires a few to change theirs when they get a chance in a few weeks or months or next year.

I agree John.....when folks get around to it...including me....LOL

 

[sw03]

I don't own a 'bota, so can't comment on specifics there.

General factors (time, AF type) have been pretty well covered in previous posts.

Since most of us run diesels, the other key factor to determine is if you need SCA in your application. Either already part of a diesel rated AF, or added as a supplement.

If you need SCA (or equivalent) to deal with cavitation corrosion in your diesel, and you don't install it, can get pretty spendy.

Rgds, D.

I agree if these Botas were a Ford PowerChokes...They are not and do not need SCA. I change my bx (along with motorcycles) with Fleetrite every 3 years....I have used Distilled water and RO/DI water (< 8 ppm TDS) and cannot see the delta. Heck, Used tap water and cannot see the delta. Yet again, I filter my house water with 0.5 micron and GAC media...

 

[koamfps]

This is terrible to say but, I add it when needed or when shes running a bit warmer than usual

 

[brin]

This is terrible to say but, I add it when needed or when shes running a bit warmer than usual

That's what I do too....I was afraid to man up an admit it on here but since you did...I have to support you or I could not look myself in the mirror....I stand guilty as you !

 

[Bigfoot62]

I agree if these Botas were a Ford PowerChokes...They are not and do not need SCA. . .

ANY diesel engine's cooling system needs SCA (bitterment). It's like the anode in your water heater, or on the lower unit of an outboard marine engine. Electrolysis happens, and it happens a lot in a diesel. If you don't supply a sacrificial anode, or coolant additive, it will corrode something.
I use this in all my diesels: FleetCharge

 

[big bubba]

ANY diesel engine's cooling system needs SCA (bitterment). It's like the anode in your water heater, or on the lower unit of an outboard marine engine. Electrolysis happens, and it happens a lot in a diesel. If you don't supply a sacrificial anode, or coolant additive, it will corrode something.
I use this in all my diesels: FleetCharge

thanks all for your input...so...does off the shelf Prestone at walworld (green, not long life red) contain SCA? surely the manual would state something to this effect? good advice. it's been 3 yrs, maybe a change is due before next freeze...coolant is one of those taken for granted items, yet crucial in a sense like other power train fluids. it looks clear...tests good...another item to lose sleep by? not me, but i like to stay on top of my single owner awesome M8540 just broke in. & paid for...just trying to cover bases......... thx again