cooling system/engine protection

johnday · Nov 14, 2003

Being the owner of two diesels, one in a truck and the other in my TC35, I'm wondering if the cooling system in the tractor needs the same type of coolant additive that truck engines need. What this additive does is coat the passages and all surfaces of the system with a type of coating that prevents oxygen pitting induced by the vibration harmonics and the dissolved oxygen in the coolant medium. It can and does bore holes thru h2o jackets and causes hydro-lockup of your engine, the only cure is sleeve your engine or replace a block.
Any ideas out there?

MikePA · Nov 14, 2003

I'm wondering if the cooling system in the tractor needs the same type of coolant additive that truck engines need. 
Welcome to TBN, johnday! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

This is a recurring hot topic on TBN. A Search of the forums for Fleetguard will result in lots of hits. There are different opinions about whether or not diesel engines that do not have wet sleeves need Fleetguard. Many CUT diesel engines are not wet sleeve, my TC25D is not. Having said that, last month I replaced the Prestone that was in my tractor from new, and the dealer put back in at the 50 hour service, with Fleetguard. It's not that much more expensive and I thought why take a chance.

johnday · Nov 14, 2003

Thanks Mike;
I'm familiar with the Fleetgaurd brand,in fact they carry their products at my local International truck dealer.
You can also buy their products on ShopDiesel .com at somewhat of a savings. The extended life coolant it appears you used is only 15 bucks a gallon. At the low amount of coolant these tractors require, why not give it the best. I also plan on using Rotella T in the tractor as I do in the trucks.

MikePA · Nov 14, 2003

At the low amount of coolant these tractors require, why not give it the best.
That was my thinking exactly! A 50/50 mix of Fleetguard and distilled water and I'm all set.
This past month, I also replaced the hydraulic transmission oil with Amsoil as well as doing an engine oil and filter change a little early in order to be ready for winter. I used a NH filter and Amsoil engine oil.

NY_Yankees_Fan · Nov 15, 2003

This site web page has Fleetguard for $11. Do you thing the chain auto stores would carry this product too? Got to put a block heater in before winter sets in, would be a good time to make the change. Anyone know if Kubota would have a problem with this product from a warrenty point of view??

MikePA · Nov 15, 2003

Anyone know if Kubota would have a problem with this product from a warrenty point of view?? 
I don't see how they could. What's the Operator's Manual say about anti-freeze?

NY_Yankees_Fan · Nov 15, 2003

( What's the Operator's Manual say about anti-freeze? )

It says per the manual "fresh clean water with anti-freeze", so what do you think? Just love these Kubota manuals /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Junkman · Nov 15, 2003

( Anyone know if Kubota would have a problem with this product from a warrenty point of view?? )

The better question is..... What does Kubota install at the factory for anti freeze? What intervals do you change tractor anti freeze.... My tractor manufacturer suggests every two years.... but I also know that a lot of people don't do it that frequently. On my car, I usually push it to 3 years...

MikePA · Nov 15, 2003

It says per the manual "fresh clean water with anti-freeze", so what do you think? Just love these Kubota manuals 
My TC25D manual says "50/50 solution of permanent antifreeze and water". Fleetguard Compleat is antifreeze. Works for me. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

johnday · Nov 15, 2003

do you really expect an International/Ford/New Holland owner to buy anything from a generous motors website? Just kidding, Think when I need it I'll buy it there. Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif