Mixing CaCl and Antifreeze

[DavesTractor]

SpyderLK, I was curious if there was any ill effects of mixing the two together. That was the main objective of the question.

With the thing frozen I couldn't tell what was being used in the tire, CaCl or something else. If there was someone that had mixed the two before and reported a problem I would have went a different route to correct the problem.

I just need my chemistry notebook from 30 years ago...

The good thing about this forum is there will be a chemical engineer that chimes in if he/she sees the question.

I'm wondering what "frozen" means. All January and February we had spring like 70'ish degree weather here in Northern CA while you folks suffered in the cold. We do not miss the cold, although 25F is what we call cold, but we sure wish we had some precipitation.

 

[FTG-05]

You need this. Air/Liquid Adapter Kit | GEMPLER'S

This. I wouldn't even think of messing with breaking the bead just to add a couple gallons (or even 55 gallons like my Kubota rears) for just the cost of this simple valve.

You will need a small pump plus some hoses, but that's not too hard either; much less than breaking a bead.

Good luck!

 

[FTG-05]

...and for those of you not yet in this pickle, Rim Guard does not freeze until about -45F, is 11lbs/gallon and is certified as cattle food and is not corrosive. About every other fluid ballast has some issues. Methanol is light, CaCl is corrosive, anti-freeze will kill your dog if he drinks it.

No real downside to Rim Guard except not every dealer sells it and it is moderately expensive. A lot of the expense is that this is not some sort of powder that gets mixed. It arrives at the dealer in a big tanker truck, so the trucking expense adds to the cost.

I can't get Rimguard here, per the manufacturer, the closest place is central KY.

I used RV antifreeze, about 4 gallons per rear tire, 2 gallons per for the front tires, the rest water. For where I live this is all that's needed per my BIL who used tractors all his life.

RV antifreeze is used for potable water, so if any of my tractor tires leak, they won't kill my dog, cats or any wildlife. So, other than cost, there's not a whole lot of downside to using RV antifreeze.

 

[SPYDERLK]

This. I wouldn't even think of messing with breaking the bead just to add a couple gallons (or even 55 gallons like my Kubota rears) for just the cost of this simple valve.

You will need a small pump plus some hoses, but that's not too hard either; much less than breaking a bead.

Good luck!

AGREE. - A PIA. ... You can siphon it down a hill, w/o need of pump, if you have a good elevation change at your disposal. Its icky out many places, I know. But you can even siphon from a raised bucket. ... The subject fill valve bleeds air automatically, so no pressure buildup.
larry

 

[Looking4new]

Once you get the RV anti-freeze in, a garden hose will do the rest for you with the valve.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Even if you manage to get your anti-freeze potion of choice in the tire, it isn't going to affect the frozen chunk. You need to thaw that out before you run the tire to much. It will eventually damage the tire and or pop off the valve stem and you will loose a lot if not most of your fluid.

 

[jenkinsph]

Even if you manage to get your anti-freeze potion of choice in the tire, it isn't going to affect the frozen chunk. You need to thaw that out before you run the tire to much. It will eventually damage the tire and or pop off the valve stem and you will loose a lot if not most of your fluid.

I agree with Gary and would leave the tractor out in the sun when the weather warms up. The black tires will thaw much faster.

 

[Dillier23]

Here's an update for you. The bead breaker I ordered arrived yesterday, let all the air out of the tires today and tried to break the bead. What a joke, this thing is a complete waste of money for my rims anyway.

ESCO Manual Bead Breaker, Model# 70160 | Bead Breakers| Northern Tool + Equipment

So, I've ordered the Gempler tool someone suggested above. Hopefully with the warm weather and a different approach I can get this thing in order.

 

[FTG-05]

Something like a hi lift tire bead breaker and a hi lift jack would have been muno cheaper,

But just use the Gempler's valve doo-hickey, my bet is that you'll wonder why in the world you ever considered breaking the bead.

Good luck.

 

[jenkinsph]

I can't understand why you want to break the bead. What is the point in all that work? It would be easy to tarp the tires and add electric heaters. When thawed out drain some fluid and add the solution with the cheap adaptors. No damage to the tires.