Radiator care

[Smokeydog]

2013 Kubota M59 with 1460 hours. First coolant change. Old coolant had some whitish color while flushing. Did several plain water flushes bring each up to operating temperature and getting diminishing color. Inspection of core looking down from radiator cap opening looked clear. Cleaned overflow tank. Thin layer of gunk on bottom.

Added bottle of Peak radiator cleaner/flush and water. Per instructions operated 3-6 hours at operating temp over several days time. Drained and again flushed with water several times. Not much color or solids seen. Core looked about the same.

One flush with distilled water.

Added fresh coolant diluted with distilled water. Coolant says it’s good for 10years or 300,000miles.

Know this contrary to Kubota 2year coolant replacement maintenance schedule. Wondering if improved coolant formulas could extend coolant life while protecting the engine? Flushing like I did does take considerable time over several days.

Can’t tell any difference in operating temperature but it’s been hot and humid.

 

[5030]

Tractor and automobiles are 2 different things. Me, I stick with the 2 year flush and refill. Coolant is cheap anyway.

 

[Tinhack]

Did you clean the outside too? That made a HUGE difference in the temps I saw afterward. I had my radiator out of the Ford while restoring. I made it a point to spray it with a cleaner and let it soak. I used a soft "bench brush" to clean between the fins. I was amazed at all the caked-on dirt that came out of it during the brushing and rinsing. It was visibly more open. The Ford will run at thermostat temp all day now. It shows pretty low on the temp gauge. I haven't seen it hit the red even with chaff on the grill.

 

[2manyrocks]

A little East TN moonshine probably clean the outside right off.

 

[Smokeydog]

Didn’t have any overheating problems. Regularly have to clean radiators and oil coolers exterior with Radiator Genie tools. Sometimes every day when fall mowing. Yes, a radiator can hold tremendous amount of hidden dirt.

 

[jyoutz]

Did you clean the outside too? That made a HUGE difference in the temps I saw afterward. I had my radiator out of the Ford while restoring. I made it a point to spray it with a cleaner and let it soak. I used a soft "bench brush" to clean between the fins. I was amazed at all the caked-on dirt that came out of it during the brushing and rinsing. It was visibly more open. The Ford will run at thermostat temp all day now. It shows pretty low on the temp gauge. I haven't seen it hit the red even with chaff on the grill.

Amazon.com

 

[Thomas]

Also check air filter if running hot.

 

[5030]

Didn’t have any overheating problems. Regularly have to clean radiators and oil coolers exterior with Radiator Genie tools. Sometimes every day when fall mowing. Yes, a radiator can hold tremendous amount of hidden dirt.

That also applies to your car or truck as well. I've seen some downright fugly radiators and ac heat exchangers on motor vehicles. When I was our buggies, I make an effort to hose out the rads and ac heat exchangers as well.

 

[rScotty]

I spray from the back side using a garden nozzle set on soft spray, an old soft brush, and dish soap... at least that's the go to kit for most everything with a radiator. I don't recall if I can get to the M59 that way. It's been a lot of years since I did anything to the M59 radiator except check coolant. Maybe this year.....

 

[jyoutz]

I spray from the back side using a garden nozzle set on soft spray, an old soft brush, and dish soap... at least that's the go to kit for most everything with a radiator. I don't recall if I can get to the M59 that way. It's been a lot of years since I did anything to the M59 radiator except check coolant. Maybe this year.....

The radiator genie product that I posted allows you to spray out the radiator from the backside in tight areas like most tractor engine compartments.