Coolant

[kyle.wilson817]

What coolant does everyone use in their tractor? Need to change mine out, but I don't see anything in the manual specifying any certain type. Just anything at tractor supply? 50/50 mix, correct?

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

 

[BruceP]

It is perhaps more important to NOT MIX different brands of antifreeze.

Choose a reputable brand which meets requirements for your engine. For example: My Kubota has COPPER radiator (not aluminum) so I do not need antifreeze specified for aluminum.

If it is not 'premixed' -- ONLY mix antifreeze with DISTILLED WATER!!

1) Drain old stuff
2) Flush with DISTILLED WATER (I do this twice)
3) I use a leaf-blower into the radiator-cap to blow residual water out of the drains.
4) Fill system with fresh antifreeze.

leave cap off while engine runs to monitor and top-off.

If your tractor has an overflow reservoir. it is best to remove the reservoir and clean it out thoroughly. (Toss an handful of gravel in it, add water and shake gently to scour the inside of it.) Then rinse, dry and reinstall it.

 

[rjcorazza]

I use Zerex G05 coolant in my Kubotas, which is a 5 year interval. Many here like Fleet Charge or Final Charge.
Definitely flush well if changing coolant types.

 

[Dave_eng]

In diesels with sleeves for the engine cylinder, coolant needs are far different than an automobiles' gas engine.

Diesel engines fall into one of two categories when it comes to the engine block and the resulting type of coolant it requires. Smaller diesel engines can be dry-sleeve engines, which are more like typical automobile engines. Due to their design, these engines are not typically susceptible to cylinder wall cavitation.

Larger diesel engines use wet-sleeve designs. These wet-cylinder engines allow the sleeve (that contains the piston) to come in direct contact with the coolant. Wet sleeves allow the engine to transfer more heat than dry systems, but because the iron sleeve is in direct contact with the coolant, they have some special requirements for their coolant/antifreeze.

Wet-cylinder diesel engines transfer a lot of vibration and movement from the pistons to the cylinder walls that can create coolant cavitation (tiny bubbles) behind the cylinder walls. Cavitation can ultimately lead to pitting of the cylinder walls from the outside in. Heavy-duty coolants formulated for diesel engines contain additives that deal with these tiny bubbles. Without getting too technical, it’s pretty clear that the coolant is important in these expensive diesel engines.

Unless you are very knowledgeable on your engine's internals, I think it prudent to stick to the manufacturer's product as the damage from cavitation corrosion is a complete rebuild.

Dave M7040

 

[Repair]

You can use Fleet Guard OAT antifreeze in Kubotas.

I talked with Kubota corporate service and mentioned being disappointed they had not gone to it and he said that they are looking at it and it's fine for use in our tractors.

I work for Cummins in technical support, I reached out to our filtration/coolant analyst giving them the specifications for our engines and they recommended the Fleet Guard OAT coolant PN CC36077

https://www.cumminsfiltration.com/organicacidtechnology

This is a life of the engine coolant

To maintain the protection provided by ES Compleat OAT, the proper level of inhibitor must be present. This can usually be achieved by topping off the cooling system with premixed ES Compleat OAT coolant. The user is responsible for ensuring proper additive levels and coolant pH through the use of test strips and the addition of new coolant if necessary. The recommended test interval is 300,000 miles, 6,000 hours, or 1 year. The test interval is a precautionary recommendation intended to prevent progressive, severe engine damage.