anti-freeze & air cleaner EVERY year?

hazmat · May 30, 2003

manual says to change both every season. Is it really required? I've done 145 hours this past year.

markie61 · May 30, 2003

I would do it especially if the powertrain is still under warranty. That way, there could be no doubt that any failure was not your fault. I get the impressions that the air filter is VERY critical in the engine and, unlike antifreeze, can't be tested. After the warranty period, I guess it would be up to you.....
If the cost of OEM filters gets to you, try pricing Wix filters.
Mark

BillyP · May 30, 2003

I think air filters should be changed when needed. To say they should be changed once a year could be wrong or right. It all depends on how dirty they get. My JD 4610 has an air restriction indicator. It will tell you when the filters need changing (I have to look /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ). As far as antifreeze, I would hope it's made to last more than 1 year.

markct · May 30, 2003

antifreeze itself doesnt go bad, but the additives in it do, after a while the water pump lube qualities and the anticorrosion qualities of it are weakened,however you can buy the bottles of waterpump lube additive which is supposed to replenish the lube and corrosion properties. we have some equipment that has had the same antifreeze in it for 25 years or so, just add a bottle of additives to it once every few years. however on a brand new tractor because of the warranty i would do the recomended annual change till atleast the warranty is over, but i wouldnt throw the old stuff out either, it would still be fine for an older tractor or car that has long since had its warranty over

djradz · May 30, 2003

In my 40D I chnage the air filters when needed. This change has nothing to do with the calendar and everything to do with the operating hours and environment. Although I changed the anti-freeze once a year while under warranty, now I do it every other year. Unless I was putting 300-500 hours on per year, or more, I think yearly changes of the antifreeze is just bigtime overkill.

Anonymous Poster · Jun 1, 2003

You can purchase an air restriction gauge and install it yourself for about $20. An air filter is most efficient when partially plugged, as it filters oot smaller particles than normal. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif It's a good idea and will save ya some $ too. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif On the antifreeze there are several important things to know. As previously mentioned there are additives, but you want the right ones and in the right amounts. I'd recommend you get test strips for coolant protection level and sca parts per million. At the end of the first year I'd service the cooling system and install low silicate long life antifreeze. Would also intall Dexcool, nowcool, napacool or whatever brand is available in your are in the proper dosage indicated by the test strips after testing the new antifreeze. Would also mix antifreeze with distilled water at 50% each. Normal tap water has lots of minerals that can/will plug your radiator over time. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Sorry so long, but wanted to cover the basics. Regards: Glenn

tc35dforme · Jun 2, 2003

Glen

Any hints on where to buy a filter gauge online ?? I tried a search but was not sucessful. Thanks...

markct · Jun 2, 2003

whats this thing that people have with buying everything online, just go to your local dealer and pick one up, most any brand dealer should be able to get ya an oem or a universal aftermarket one.

djradz · Jun 2, 2003

Does anyone know the NH recommendations on cleaning the outer air filter? On most of my other equipment, I've been able to wash the filter numerous times before replacing. The new NH filters look like they are even more suited to cleaning rather than simply replacing every time. Note also that there are two air filters, an inner and an outer. For most users, only the outer requires any kind of a frequent change. My guess is I'll probably change/clean my outer filter 5 to 10 times before I do anything with the inner.

markie61 · Jun 2, 2003

"Clean the primary element using low air pressure (30psi or less). Blow dust from the inside to the outside of the element (opposite to normal airflow)."

"NOTE: Place a light inside the element to check paper for leaks or for bonding of paper to end plate."

Other text says to check rubber parts for seal damage. Any failures: replace it.

The inner element is called the "safety element."

"For maximum engine protection and air cleaner service life, install a new inner safety element every 3rd primary element change or after 1000 hours, whichever comes first. The air cleaner inner safety element cannot be cleaned. It must be replaced one it becomes partially clogged."

"Conduct a visual inspection of the inner safety element by placing a light inside the element. Little or no light will shine through the element if it is partially clogged."

Quotes from the owner's manual. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mark