coolant change: your frequency

[big bubba]

do you change your coolant by hrs or by calendar intervals? is the simple freeze indication test an accurate way of measuring coolant overall condition, or just the temp it will "freeze"....do you look for buildup (clouding) signs then change, or go by maintenance intervals like your other fluids? My tractor is 4+ yrs old, 370 hrs. changed factory coolant once @ 100 hrs/1 yr...... am i due again? everything looks/tests good. thx in advance

 

[Happyman]

I just follow my maintanance schedule as indicated in my owner's manual. That's what I would recommend. :thumbsup: That way it takes your guess work out of the equation.

 

[Egon]

Depends on the rated life of the antifreeze.:thumbsup:

 

[KennyV]

Time as in Calendar time...
Antifreeze can become acidic... each 'type' antifreeze will have a recommended change interval, stick to that. KennyV

 

[sdkubota]

Always use distilled water in your coolent system to prevent mineral deposits and possible corrosive behavior from tap water.

 

[number two]

Since Kubota still uses the conventional green ethelyene glycol coolant the prefered practice is to replace the coolant every two years with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.Premixed coolant can be found with deionized water-better yet,but be careful not to get the universal stuff.Good Luck!

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

Since Kubota still uses the conventional green ethelyene glycol coolant the prefered practice is to replace the coolant every two years with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.Premixed coolant can be found with deionized water-better yet,but be careful not to get the universal stuff.Good Luck!

What does this mean and what's your source of info for not using the "universal stuff" whatever that is and "prefered" by who?.

 

[creekbend]

I have a Kubota L4400. My Operator's Manual states to only use only Ethylene Glycol antifreeze. It aso states that Kubota's Long-Life Coolant has a service life of two years. It says to never add LLC made by another manufacturer, because different brands may have different additive components. It doesn't state anywhere that you can't use another brand of Glycol Antifreeze, but only states to not mix another brand with the existing Kubota LLC.

 

[houstonscott]

I do coolant every two years. Hours don't matter. Its how long the additives last and protect interior parts of engine, head and radiator.

HS

 

[number two]

What does this mean and what's your source of info for not using the "universal stuff" whatever that is and "prefered" by who?.

Hi JT.By preferred practice I mean most people in the vehicle maintenance field consider a two year change interval to be standard for conventional green coolant,as many of the posters have said.
Several types of long-life coolants are now being used in cars.GM has used Dexcool since 1995 with a typical change recommendation of 5 years /150,000 miles.Dexcool is Organic Acid Technology(OAT) and is considered by some to cause gasket failure in some applications-pink/orange in color.
Ford and Chrysler have used GO5 coolant since about 2001.GO5 is Hybird Organic Acid Technology(HOAT)tan/yellowish in color.
There is also "universal" coolant on the market as All Makes/All Models,usually with a long life service interval like Dexcool.Kind of a yellowish color that takes on the color of the coolant it's mixed with.
Many consider the universal to be unable to match the chemistry of three different coolants while some shops use it for simplicity and use it in everything.
There is also Fully Formulated Red Coolant used in trucks for long life with ocassional use of Supplemental Coolant Additives(SCA's)to continue the use of the coolant.Toyota has a red coolant considered by many to be similar to Dexcool (OAT).
Having said too much already,I do not wish to start a coolant debate war.Kubota uses conventional green coolant,It will cost no more than any universal type and be the correct coolant for a Kubota.Good Luck!

 

[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