LX178 Coolant

[PT3]

I purchased this LX178 used and the coolant is low. I was planning on topping it off but am not sure what brand of coolant the previous owner used. How critical is it that the same brand is used? Can I top it off with any coolant as long as it's the same type? Is the best approach to simply drain the system and refill it? Thanks!

 

[Dapolksjj]

I purchased this LX178 used and the coolant is low. I was planning on topping it off but am not sure what brand of coolant the previous owner used. How critical is it that the same brand is used? Can I top it off with any coolant as long as it's the same type? Is the best approach to simply drain the system and refill it? Thanks!

. FWIW I'd drain and refill then you'd know what you have.

 

[Richard001]

I had to remove the radiator from my LX 178 to replace the bottom fan shroud housing. (was burned) I have refilled the radiator but the coolant does not seem to circulate the coolant. The in sided from the thermostat is hot while the other side is still cold.

I suspect trapped air some place but I don't find any bleed plugs.

Any ideas on how to get the air out?

Richard

 

[beenthere]

Tell us about "was burned" and what that means. Might be a clue.

:welcome: to TBN

 

[Richard001]

Tell us about "was burned" and what that means. Might be a clue.

:welcome: to TBN

Thanks,

Had a small fire caused by a break in the fuel line between the pump and carb. Fire went out when engine was shut off. Only minor damage to the bottom housing. Gas line to pump and from pump to carb needed to be replaced along with the bottom housing and fan blade.

 

[Richard001]

Well I found a Kawasaki FD440V shop manual on line and was able to save it to my computer. Looked in the manual and there are no special instructions other than fill slowly with coolant to top of fill tube, close radiator cap, run engine, let it cool, check coolant level, add as necessary.

Richard

 

[Shimon]

I'm not aware of any bleeders on the 178. If you suspect air, rock the whole whole machine back and forth...it's not that heavy. Also squeeze the lower rad hose. If you have a cooling system pressure tester that usually helps by pressurizing the system. I guess it's possible something happened to the thermostat and it's stuck closed. Or maybe the water doesn't work.

 

[BBO]

Be sure the gas leak was not from the fuel pump. They have a new design pump that includes a drain hose down past the muffler. Use John Deere coolgard coolant.

 

[Richard001]

Be sure the gas leak was not from the fuel pump. They have a new design pump that includes a drain hose down past the muffler. Use John Deere coolgard coolant.

Thanks for the reminder. Turns out that the fuel pump must have been replaced before as it has the drain hose on it.

I have changed my mind about what may have been the source of the fuel leak. After I got it running, I warmed it up to change the oil. I backed the left rear wheel up on a 4X4 to help get the oil out. As I was working on getting the oil drain nut loose, I noticed fuel leaking out of the carb. At that point I decided the a new carb was in order. Got one from the local JD dealer at what I consider an astronomical price of $135.00 with taxes.

Put the new carb on and the engine runs great. Also noticed that the new carb had a little larger venture opening than the old one.. More power? Also the new carb had a drain tube on it. It was just a inch long and would do noting but drain fuel on the muffler. So I put a much longer drain tube on it and routed it along with the pump drain tube.

I use the old coolant. Checked it for protection level and it was good to -30.

Richard