MF35 Radiator flush

[Dabrowski]

Hi all,
recently purchased an MF35 with a new radiator and water pump. the old owner recommended I drop the water and add 50/50 mix of coolant. The water is quite brown when I take of the rad cap.

Questions I have are;
- what will the procedure be? (remove bottom hose? warmed up or cold? radiator drain plug?)
- How do I ensure the block is also flushed? (the block drain valve seems stuck so I don't want to risk breaking it trying to turn it)
- Should I use any additives or just straight garden tap water for the flushing process?

I've attached a picture for reference

thank you all!

 

[Agvg]

Use a hose and ordinary water, I would have taken of the hoses to make the flush go easy, I would also have replaced the hoses with new ones as they look old.

 

[def38]

Depends on what you are trying to achieve. If there are deposits (rust, calcium, etc.) that need removing, a commercial flush is advisable. If you are merely attempting to replace dirty water with fresh, remove the old hoses and replace them along with the coolant.

Also, the previous owner replaced radiator and pump and didn't replace the hoses? Seems odd to replace the expensive stuff and leave the cheap stuff.

Your photo shows hoses with bulges so, they should not be reused or you could encounter a failure when you're out in the field, coolant hot, engine working and a hose lets go...you could experience engine damage as a result. Not worth the risk IMO.

Fresh coolant 50/50 has everything your cooling system needs. No additives necessary if there are no cooling system leaks.

BTW, that stubborn cooling system valve should be freed and used to drain all the engine cooling passages. Try some penetrating oil and a bit of heat.

 

[Dabrowski]

thanks for the reply. Thinking about it more It does seem weird he didn't replace hoses.......

My mechanic (who's currently fixing another hydraulics issue I have...see other thread) is currently replacing all hoses, drilling out the temp sensor as someone has JB welded it into the thread, and checking the thermostat.

Would hate to have all of it fail in the field.
thanks

 

[def38]

thanks for the reply. Thinking about it more It does seem weird he didn't replace hoses.......

My mechanic (who's currently fixing another hydraulics issue I have...see other thread) is currently replacing all hoses, drilling out the temp sensor as someone has JB welded it into the thread, and checking the thermostat.

Would hate to have all of it fail in the field.
thanks

:thumbsup:

 

[oosik]

My first tractor - Ford 1700 - I bought new in '82. I kept it until 2009 - traded in on new M6040. Every time I updated the anti-freeze - I would do a flush with "garden hose" water. Standard procedure - drain out the old thru the drain petcock on the radiator - fill with garden hose water - run for a couple day - drain/refill with fresh anti-freeze. One year I tried a Prestone brand of cooling system flush. Used same standard procedure. In the end - didn't seem to make a modicum of difference.

I know my water is fairly hard. However, I don't get any sort of buildup of anything in any of my vehicle cooling systems.

I have and will continue to do the old standard flush with garden hose water. Works just fine for me.

BTW - the OEM rubber radiator/cooling system hoses were still soft, flexible, not cracked on the Ford - the day I traded it in.

JMHO - - keep your rubber products out of the sun and negative effects that UV radiation can cause.

 

[def38]

My first tractor - Ford 1700 - I bought new in '82. I kept it until 2009 - traded in on new M6040. Every time I updated the anti-freeze - I would do a flush with "garden hose" water. Standard procedure - drain out the old thru the drain petcock on the radiator - fill with garden hose water - run for a couple day - drain/refill with fresh anti-freeze. One year I tried a Prestone brand of cooling system flush. Used same standard procedure. In the end - didn't seem to make a modicum of difference.

I know my water is fairly hard. However, I don't get any sort of buildup of anything in any of my vehicle cooling systems.

I have and will continue to do the old standard flush with garden hose water. Works just fine for me.

BTW - the OEM rubber radiator/cooling system hoses were still soft, flexible, not cracked on the Ford - the day I traded it in.

JMHO - - keep your rubber products out of the sun and negative effects that UV radiation can cause.

You did well regarding your cooling system maintenance.

Hard water is not harmful to a cooling system if you use quality coolant in the system. Coolants themselves contain various chemicals to eliminate corrosion, keep the pump seals happy and eliminate deposits in the radiator and engine. When you fill with tap water, you are not adding much in the way of calcium and magnesium so fouling with deposits is minimal unless you routinely drain and refill with hard water only. Then, you're adding chemicals that may produce fouling.

These deposits are dislodged and drained away when a commercial flush is used. Also, cooling system fouling takes place if there is a leak or boil that requires frequent topping up of the radiator.

Keep the system leak free, fill with the recommended coolant and change the coolant at recommended intervals to remove coolant that is the incorrect pH and has depleted corrosion inhibitors.

 

[Dabrowski]

great info guys. much appreciated.

If I was to fill up with coolant and distilled water, how often would that need to be changed?

 

[def38]

great info guys. much appreciated.

If I was to fill up with coolant and distilled water, how often would that need to be changed?

Your tractor manufacturer usually has recommendations in the operators/owners manual. Me? I usually just change coolant every 3-4 years but, I don't put many hours on my M-F and it doesn't run hot. The additives in the coolant will be consumed by heat and fighting off corrosion. I would take a sample of coolant annually from the radiator drain, inspect it visually and judge accordingly. If you are protecting the engine coolant in a cold climate, get a antifreeze tester similar to this...


Prestone Coolant Tester #AF142 Anti-Freeze Easy to use NEW | eBay