Old lady needs your help again....MF1250 radiator woes!

boomer1025 · Feb 17, 2016

Re: Old lady needs your help again....MF1250 radiator woes! UPDATE!

Mix the antifreeze and water in a clean bucket and check the freeze point,adjust as needed, then fill the radiator slowly.

Old Gray Mare · Feb 17, 2016

Re: Old lady needs your help again....MF1250 radiator woes! UPDATE!

boomer1025 said:
Mix the antifreeze and water in a clean bucket and check the freeze point,adjust as needed, then fill the radiator slowly.

I know to mix the coolant & water first, but when I add it to the radiator shuld the tractor be running so the new stuff circulates throughout the block (or whatever it's called)?

Or do I just slowly add it and hope all the air pockets are taken care of

redman135 · Feb 18, 2016

DON'T run the tractor without coolant! Fill the radiator FIRST, then start tractor and run. As the coolant is circulated the airlocks/ air pockets will be forced out. Top up the coolant level as required. After 3-5 hours run time check the hose clamps and radiator nuts and bolts for tightness.

irvingj · Feb 18, 2016

Congratulations on your repair! --And thanks for the update!

If your tractor is anything like the "usual" older vehicles, yes: fill up the radiator, and with cap off, start it up, let it warm up, but watch for when the thermostat opens, at which point the coolant level will quickly drop. (You should also be able to see the fluid flowing out of the radiator tubes in the side.) At that point, add more coolant as necessary to fill, replace cap and let it run for a while to get good & warm.

Ditto redman-- check fluid level and all hose clamps, etc. after it's been run, warmed up, and then cooled down.

Old Gray Mare · Feb 18, 2016

Thank you for the help redman and irvingj!

It's been another adventure for me! Learned something new...never knew my fingers could twist & bend like they needed to when getting those bottom hoses and clamps on

Happy trails to all!! :wave: :cowgirl:

Hoochy · Feb 18, 2016

Congrats Grey Mare:cool2: it sure feels good when it's all said and done:thumbsup:

irvingj · Feb 19, 2016

Well, if you "mechanic" long enough, you'll actually develop eyes in the ends of your fingers! :laughing: Easy to impress the those who don't have that talent.

Glad everything's fixed; your optimism and spirit of adventure are to be envied! :thumbsup: (I find that the older I get, the more it seems I'm afraid to try stuff -- lost my nerve and my confidence, I guess

, but enjoy sharing my experience from a previous life. Very glad to help.)