B2650 Overheated

[East30]

I was running my B2650 with rotary cutter this afternoon and ran into an overheat scenario. It was very dusty where I was working in a field, I as taking down some saplings as well, maybe 3 to 4 feet high. I assume it overheated due to radiator getting clogged up, but not sure right now. I was watching the gauges often, as I to clean it off pretty regularly as it was getting quite dusty.

Well I went to brush off the gauges and the overheat lamp was on I took off the load of the cutter, turned the tractor into the wind and shut her down. I lifted the hood and it was spitting coolant from the overflow. The temp dropped quickly after five minutes, but I'm leaving it sit as the reservoir is empty. I'll add fluid, but all the manual for it states is to add coolant at a 50/50 mix with fresh soft water.

But what kind of coolant?

 

[LouNY]

Check your owners manual closely mixing types of coolants can cause problems.

 

[RjCorazza]

Kubota manuals are usually lacking in specific antifreeze information. I have yet to see a new Kubota come with anything but standard green ethylene glycol coolant. Some manuals specify "Long life coolant", which is not what they come with.

For topping off in your situation it may be simplest to get the Kubota standard coolant from the dealer. Adding a different type coolant could cause problems. When you top off, be sure to check the radiator also.

My last 4 Kubota machines got the OEM coolant thoroughly flushed out and replaced with a HOAT coolant that has a five year interval (Zerex G05). There are other extended interval coolants that people use, but not all will be compatible with your machine - Notably DexCool or clones that cannot be exposed to air.

 

[East30]

Thanks Lou, I read a couple more times, I thought the manual seemed pretty ambiguous to me, but maybe not, i just found something new. I'm in Minnesota, so I assume I have anti-freeze, if there's a difference between that and a coolant, and the manual uses both terms.

Under anti-freeze section the manual states to use a 50/50 mix of long life coolant and clean soft water. It states: "Long Life coolant comes in several types. Use ethylene glycol type for this engine." So, I guess the next question is, can any ethylene glycol work mixed at 50/50, or do I need to wait until a Kubota dealer opens up on Monday?

 

[LouNY]

Thanks Lou, I read a couple more times, I thought the manual seemed pretty ambiguous to me, but maybe not, i just found something new. I'm in Minnesota, so I assume I have anti-freeze, if there's a difference between that and a coolant, and the manual uses both terms.

Under anti-freeze section the manual states to use a 50/50 mix of long life coolant and clean soft water. It states: "Long Life coolant comes in several types. Use ethylene glycol type for this engine." So, I guess the next question is, can any ethylene glycol work mixed at 50/50, or do I need to wait until a Kubota dealer opens up on Monday?

Yes a Ethylene Glycol coolant should be fine, and yes coolant and antifreeze are the same product. Yes the premixed 50/50 is fine you are paying for water but it is convenient.
If you buy the concentrate and blend it with distilled water you are in fine shape also, I tend to use a combination of concentrated and 50/50 as I prefer to be at 60/40 with mine.

 

[RCFlyer330]

If the coolant reservoir is empty it might be a good idea to remove the radiator cap when its cold and make sure the radiator is full.

I was reading another thread where the kubota manual says to only check the over flow bottle and add if needed. Well thats what this person did but there was a hole in one of metal coolant lines. Long story short the engine is toast.

 

[Smokeydog]

Radiator Genie - Water & Air Cleaning Wands for High Efficiency Cooling Systems and Radiators - Blow Out / Wash Out Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAU8J6D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_xMRREbZZC2J85

Best price was from my Kubota dealer.

Use these tools often. Be surprised how much dust comes out of the radiator. Pneumatic wand cleans the outer air filter too. Heavy Screen or expanded metal on the grill push guard helps.

 

[repete]

Screens in front of radiators are a common issue causing overheating especially in dusty areas. This is an excellent write up on servicing.

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/393434-kubota-b2650-50-hour-full.html

 

[skipperbrown]

All my Kubotas will overheat when mowing in dusty, dry, hot conditions. I pull the protective screen in front of the radiator and clear it in the field when the temperature gauge shows the engine is getting hot and it is always saturated with seeds and junk. The engine temperature drops dramatically fast after restarting. Once mowing is done, I'll clean the screen again and blow compressed air both ways through the radiator and blow all the junk from around the battery. I use standard engine coolant from an auto shop for top offs.

 

[Thomas]

Did you check air filter?