Browning radiator fluid

Housten · Jul 9, 2023

Hi,
I have a Kubota L3010 and the radiator fluid is starting to change color. Do I need to flush or just drain and fill? Can't I just use 'the green stuff' and distilled water?
Thanks,
Housten

Peter 315 · Jul 9, 2023

Flush a couple of times then fill.......

5030 · Jul 9, 2023

That's rust from the motor block. You need to drain the fluid (hopefully antifreeze and water), flush the system at least a couple times with clear water and refill with a 50% mix of conventional green antifreeze and distilled (not tap water). You have an owners manual? If you don't you can download one on the net but, Kubota recommends renewing the coolant every 2 years

newbury · Jul 9, 2023

Just be careful to NOT mix colors. Was your prior color green?

The green coolant is an inorganic additive technology (IAT). With this type of coolant, phosphates along with silicates are added to ethylene glycol. This helps to protect the metals that are in the vehicle’s cooling systems from becoming corroded. There are some IAT coolants that use propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol.

The orange coolants are organic acid technologies (OAT). These were created for newer vehicles that had more nylon and aluminum parts in them. OAT coolants use organic acids in order to prevent corrosion.

Some people believe that they can mix the twot. This is a mistake and can lead to expensive repairs. The two coolants should never be mixed together as they do not react well. When mixed together they can form a thick, jelly-like substance that can completely stop all coolant flow which can lead to overheating.

from the-dangers-of-mixing-green-and-orange-coolant