New Kubota BX2370 coolant question

[chucky79]

I was checking fluids on my new kubota bx that i got this year. When i got her the overflow for the radiator was at the very bottom line of acceptable so i didn't pay it much attention but when i just checked again last night at 40hrs the overflow is below the L line and i cant even see any fluid from looking in the spout. I checked the radiator and its full and she has never heated above 3 bars so no concerns about overheating but i want to go ahead and get the level where it should be. The manual says unless there is a leak, which i dont suspect there is, i should top off with "soft water" to replace whats lost through evaporation. So three stupid questions.

1. what is soft water? Is that just distilled bottle water?

2. how much "evaporation" is normal? I guess i never thought much about it but it makes sense.

3. when the time comes for fluid replacement or if i ever get a leak can you tell me what type of coolant is recommended in these tractors? Is it the same Prestone universal type coolant most cars take or is it something proprietary and model specific? Ive seen conflicting reports about diesel coolant vs regular and arguments about sleeved engines vs non so im a bit confused.

thanks guys!

 

[5030]

Kubby's are all dry linred so any ethylene glycol will work. I happen to use DCA4 in my A/F just because of dissimilar metals (aluminum radiator and Iron block). Just don't mix extended life (red) and conventional (green).

 

[chucky79]

so in my scenario do i just add "soft water" like the manual says for evaporation or add some straight green or some 50/50 mix? Someone on another forum said i may have a leak and to check my clamps but the manual talks about this scenario specifically... is evaporation common?

 

[chucky79]

also...what is soft water? Im assuming thats just distilled water with no minerals etc in it. that correct?

 

[AStanton]

I was told by the dealer to simply add or replace the anti-freeze that comes with the tractor. For my Kubotas, I have been using the green anti-freeze with the 50-50 mix for aluminum engines from Napa. You probably lost anti-freeze due to air. When you fill a radiator, it takes awhile for the air to get worked out. Simply add the pre-mixed anti-freeze back to the full line. I wouldn't mess with soft water or soda water.

 

[rbarker]

I just used a 50 50 mix of green from the local parts store on the advice of the Kubota service manager. I had some seeping from hose connections but they seem to be sealed now. I could always smell antifreeze when the tractor got warmed up for about the first 6 months.

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[chucky79]

I just used a 50 50 mix of green from the local parts store on the advice of the Kubota service manager. I had some seeping from hose connections but they seem to be sealed now. I could always smell antifreeze when the tractor got warmed up for about the first 6 months.

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someone suggested i check my hose clamps as well. i put a quarter turn on the top two clamps but will need to remove my grill guard and take my hood off to reach the bottom two. I have never smelt any antifreeze though.

 

[JOHNTHOMAS]

I'd get a green 50/50 gallon and fill it to the middle of L and H or do nothing till next year and not worry about it. If your radiator is full when cold that's great. The bottle is for expansion when hot and safer than removing the radiator cap when hot and easier to add than possibly hot radiator adding. The bottle is not air tight and will possibly let some evaporate but fill it if it's going to cause you concern.

 

[RaydaKub]

also...what is soft water? Im assuming thats just distilled water with no minerals etc in it. that correct?

Chemistry of Hard and Soft Water

In the house, you can get by with much less soap and have it rinse out much easier for laundry, dishes, even taking a shower.
I'll never be w/o a softener again if I can help it.

 

[HEC]

Well water in my area is very hard due to chemicals in the water . A water softener will help take out some of those chemicals and make your water softer and make it easier to make soapy water like mentioned above. Hard water will plug up your water appliances such as washing machine ( found out the hard way ) , hot water coil on boiler , etc. . Distilled water is much safer to use if you don't know the composition of your water supply . A 50 / 50 mix is safe way to go also as they should be using a good water supply .