Do you replace antifreeze?

[_RaT_]

My Kubota manual says to replace the antifreeze after 2 years. Does the fluid loose its ability to lubricate the pump etc and keep the wetted parts relatively free of rust or oxidation? We rarely freeze here so that is less of a concern. The fluid in there now looks as brilliant green as the day it arrived. Any particular recommendations of anti freeze for a small diesel tractor? Rat...

 

[rdln]

Why not buy Kubota brand for their diesels. I went longer than 2 years, more like 7 /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Mine was still brilliant green but I regret not doing it sooner just because I should have.
Used JD diesel formulated coolant.

 

[_RaT_]

I'm not aware there is a Kubota brand. One of those things I just don't pay attention to.

 

[tomnky]

Rat,
I would think any Brand will do as long as it meets the specifications in Your manual.

No matter if it looks good , antifreeze will loose it's properties after so long. Better safe than sorry!

 

[Moon]

I wonder if there is a testing lab for anitfreeze like there is for oil? Like Tomnky said, it looses it's protective properties but can still have that new green look.
Ford PowerStrokes had an issue with cavitation due to old anit freeze. This mainly affected pre 94 models. I understand NAPA and Ford dealerships had some type of test strip that you could dip in your anti freeze to find out if your's was okay. Anyone know if there is anything like this for diesel tractors?
I suppose if the manual recommends changing it every two years, thats probably the route we should take. Mine is coming up on 3 years /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif ....so I figure I'll change mine when things warm up here.

Thanks for the heads up. Guess I haven't had my manual out in quite awhile.

Moon of Ohio

 

[dmccarty]

There are kits available to test the antifreeze to see if its time to change. I think its SCV(sp) that is being tested. Depending on the anitfreeze you might be able to add what is missing.

I was going to change my antifreeze a year ago but the dealer said test it to see if it should be replaced. The antifreeze was still good according to the test so I left it alone. I'll change it this year though.

The test was a simple strip that was pushed into the antifreeze.

Later,
Dan

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> I wonder if there is a testing lab for anitfreeze like there is for oil? </font>
I sure hope not. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[_RaT_]

Mike, I like the new synthetic antifreeze, the test numbers are impressive. Ns .100%, Bs 100%, Nn .01, Ir .023, Gg .016, Pp 4, Vr 19, xYz 2, WeWe, none detected, PePe, none detected. Poo, 6%. I have many more numbers if you want them. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MikePA]

<font color="blue"> I have many more numbers if you want them. </font>
I believe you've covered all the pertinent categories. I laughed out loud when I read this. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[AlanB]

LMFAO

Took me a minute to realize I was not recognizing the symbols but recognized the tone.....

Anyway, there a several types of test strips available. Any heavy duty truck supplier will be able to help you out. My word of caution though is that you need to know what type of formulation you are testing, to get the correct strip to test for it.

Short version, Most heavy duty antifreeze is an Ethylene Glycol base. Then there are "add Packs" mixed in with it. The add pack is what has the water pump lube, the sacrificial metals etc. etc. in it that makes it "antifreeze" as we know it.

Kind of a pick your poison, of course everyone has the "best" add pack. But they get there by using different chemicals.

Most folks will not be aware of what formulation antifreeze they are working with, therefore it is somewhat difficult to accurately test with the field test kits. However, if you had say a fleet of trucks, and you serviced them all up with Fleet antifreeze, then you checked them with the Fleet Test strips, you would be good to go.

Antifreeze slowly breaks down over time. It is usually the consumption of the add pack that you need to worry about and the build up of acids.

When checking antifreeze you will also here refrences to RA or Reserve Alkalinity. This is an indication of how much buffering you have available and the condition of the antifreeze. Some of the test strips will show this as well.

My 2 cents for the tractor folks out there. The 2 year rule is great. Change it out with new antifreeze of your choice. I would reccomend a standard antifreeze with SCA or supplemental Coolant Additives. This is often referred to as "Fully Formulated" antifreeze. This is readily available at diesel engine service centers. While perhaps not needed for all engines, I have never heard of a downside of using it.

It would not be worth the effort to test in my opinion for the limeted amount most of us would be changing out in our tractors.