Do you change out the coolant?

[Joe Kelly]

I have been wondering about changing out the coolant and flushing the radiator and cooling system....my book recommends every two years.

I've had my 5030 tractor for 4 years now and have not done it.

My auto mechanic feels there is no need. Cooling systems are closed systems and not subject to contamination the way your crankcase oil is. As long as the coolant tests fine for proper freeze protection, keep it going.....as this is one less waste stream to deal with.

Kubota discusses Long Life Coolant (LLC) and, of course tells us to use only genuine Kubota LLC and change it out every two years as it contains the additives to protect the cooling system.

"Every two years" can be very different for a farmer, say, who puts on 2000 hours per year and myself and others, who use their tractors perhaps 200 hours per year.

What do you folks feel? Flush and change periodically or ...... not?

JoeK

 

[Bulldog]

The coolant will never loose it's ability to protect from freezing but it can loose the ability to disapate heat. Changing out a few gallons of coolant is a small price to pay for the long life of your orange baby.

 

[pat331]

Also, modern antifreeze has inhibitors to cut down and/or prevent corrosion. This is because cooling systems have dissimilar metals the coolant runs through. Over time, these inhibitors dissipate and must be replaced. I try to change mine as recommended and not over 3 years. Good Luck!

 

[jonyyuma]

You bet ya, Some diesels tranfer sulfur from the fuel to the coolant and engine oil...This can be caught in it and can cause wear on your freeze plugs and other parts. You are not saving that money, by not servicing it.Plus what does a water pump cost for your rig? legal diclaimer. Jy.

Also, modern antifreeze has inhibitors to cut down and/or prevent corrosion. This is because cooling systems have dissimilar metals the coolant runs through. Over time, these inhibitors dissipate and must be replaced. I try to change mine as recommended and not over 3 years. Good Luck!

 

[RxDiesel]

I have only 53 hours on my 3 yr. old L2800 HST. Coincident to my 50 hour service [doing it myself] and other issues, I'm doing it about a year late, using Ford 'gold' EG long-life coolant [1 gal. concentrate, around $16, plus distilled water; the readily available alternative is Valvoline Xerex GO5, same price] after running the Ford VC-9 cleaner [pricey, $27 a qt.] in low (10%) concentrate through the system. From my Ford diesel truck experience, I know how important this can be. Just do it!

 

[fruitcakesa]

The coolant in my 4630 is green kinda like GM dex cool is that ok or should I flush it out an replace it?
I use GO 5 in my Benz's

 

[Bulldog]

Even if the anti freeze checks good it still needs to be change every 2 yrs to insure top performance of your cooling system. AF will never freeze but it does loose it's ability to properly disapate heat. Not only that but the older it gets the more you are chancing a internal rust problem. If it were me I would add this little chore to my regular PM list.

 

[luke the spook]

from talking to other people and my own experience i found that if you dont use your tractor often , that cooant actually has an adverse affect. in such that the coolant settles and eats away at the alloys (aluminium) that being said i live in a warm climate where frozen radiators is a mear mith.