JD cooling system flush

[3Ts]

Stopped in at the JD dealer today about changing the coolant on a 5055E. It takes 10 qts of Cool Guard II, they want ~$200 plus parts to do it. :shocked: I really didn't want to mess with it, but for $200 I certainly will. And I can bring the used coolant to them for disposal.

Also asked about adjusting the valves since the manual says to do it periodically. The dealer recommends not to touch them unless there is a problem. So, - - - Looks like just keeping the fluids and filters changed is going to be it.

By the way, those of you who change your own, what do you use for a flush chemical?

 

[RPW]

Recycling center or auto parts store.

 

[hosspuller]

I didn't flush the system for 22 years. Only changed the coolant. Used coolant went to the local Household Hazardous Waste collection station.


It's important to change the coolant because the anti-cavitation chemicals get used up. JD engines are designed as wet liners. A perforated cylinder liner is a major repair.

 

[oldballs]

If you're doing this at it's recommend coolant change time and you don't have any problems, no need for a chemical flush. Just use water.

That what I just did on my six year old, 650 hour B2620.....flushed it once with distilled water then added the 50\50 Kubota coolant.
Cheers,
Mike

 

[LouNY]

I try not to use the premixed 50/50 when I refill, I tend to use the full strength till I have put in at least 50 and more line 60% of the total fill capacity then I'll start either mixing with distilled water or using the 50/50 too many times it only takes a bit over half of capacity to fill it up, because it's hard to get all the fluid out when draining.

 

[4570Man]

I usually run the engine with the lower radiator hose off while dumping water in the top with a water hose. If you’re a firm believer in only using distilled water you might need a different plan.

 

[oosik]

I use Zerex full strength - long life antifreeze. Never - in all my life - have I EVER used any chemicals to flush ANY cooling system. Just plain 'ol tap water. I've always done like 4570Man - dump the antifreeze - refill with tap water - run vehicle for 15 or so minutes - undo lower radiator hose - flush radiator with garden hose. Button up and refill with new antifreeze.

 

[beenthere]

oosik
There are a lot of things we can skimp on and get by without a "fail".

Like drinking and driving.. not getting pulled over or having an accident.

Or walking downtown Chicago.. and not getting shot.

It's a "dodge the bullet" sort of scenario.

 

[oosik]

Jeeze - been there - what are we doing now - - comparing flushing my cooling systems with plain water to walking in downtown Chicago???? Fortunately - I don't feel that flushing with water is dodging a bullet. I just never had a cooling system that cruddy. I surely have seen system that DO need a chemical flush of some kind.

 

[3Ts]

Thanks to all. I'll be working on it this weekend. I've got a new thermostat gasket and some distilled water and a bucket to drain it into.
It'll be a drain, remove thermostat, flush with water, reinstall thermostat, and put in 1/2 capacity of system of coolant concentrate and top off with distilled water. Take bucket to JD dealer for disposal.