BX COOLANT - Check hot or cold?

[r0GuE]

My level seems good when hot but I can't see any coolant when cold. Is that normal?

If I need to add, do I need to be concerned about matching type exactly? What brand/type?

 

[sneaky_pete]

The mark on the plastic overflow tank is the cold level, you need to add some.

Any good brand will do; I don't like to mix the newer orange stuff with the older green stuff. Remember to dilute it 50% with distilled water.

 

[gsxr1100]

I would not say any. I would NEVER EVER use Prestone. The suck suck..high in silicates etc.

DW (distilled water) is good but I use RO/DI water..best of the best of the best..... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I would also check with a hydrometer to make sure you are at the proper level (%) & (freeze point).

Also make sure you are using the correct collant type (EG or PG). Most likely it is EG.

 

[r0GuE]

I am dead dumb when it comes to coolant. I do not know any of the acronyms you've used, nor do I know what is or how to use a hydrometer. Is that the bulb with the beads in it?

Guys, I'd love to learn this once and for all and not be a coolant moron anymore. If you have the time and patience to explain more, I'm all ears.. er uh.. eyes! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[gsxr1100]

EG=(Ethylene Glycol) and PG =(Propylene Glycol). EG is More toxic etc but the heat dissipation properties are better. EG is what 99% of dieses use, unless sometime has changed.

The hydrometer (Floating Ball Tester ) is the thing that has the balls in it. I think that is what it is called. You can also buy a Refractometer for getting very very close.

I used to use Distilled water but it is high in phosphates and other garbage. So I use Reverse Osmosis/ Deionization (RO/DI). It also from Total Dissolved Solids from the water. It removes 99.9% of all the junk in the water. Please do not think I bought this just for my tractors etc, I bought it for my salt water reef tank but I also use this water for my cars. It is the closest you can get to being “100% pure”. So less crap in water is less “things” to worry about with the coolant. Example, more junk in water makes your PH and others things move around to much. You will get less variance in chemical properties etc using better water.

…But then again, I take things to max at times.

 

[r0GuE]

Thanks! tHIS IS GOOD. aRE THOSE FLOATING BALL THINGS EASY TO USE?

 

[Junkman]

The only time the floating balls are a problem is if you don't know how to count. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif The more balls that float, the higher the protection level. Each plastic ball has its own specific gravity weight. That is why each of the balls are of a different color. If no balls float, then you have only water in the system. Very basic. The only maintenance is to rinse the tube after using with water by squeezing and releasing the tester bulb while holding the tube in a glass of water before putting away for the next time.

 

[r0GuE]

So you just keep adding antifreeze until they all float? Is it possible to add too much anti-freeze? If so, would a ball start to sink again?

 

[Junkman]

You should follow the directions on the package for the degree of protection that you wish. Then premix in a container and install in the tractor. The antifreeze checker is to verify that you have the proper amount of protection. You should not use a mixture of over 50% antifreeze and 50% water. It is possible to use too much anti freeze if you go over the 50/50 mix. I don't think that the balls would ever fall in a concentration of greater than 50% antifreeze.

 

[r0GuE]

Great! Thanks guys. I will get on this very soon.

 

[oliver28472]

Where do you get the RO/DI water?

 

[Junkman]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Where do you get the RO/DI water? )</font>

I don't know..... possibly gsxr1100 will let us both in on the secret.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[gsxr1100]

sorry guys. In the middle of stripping my roof, but any salt water fish store has the water. I just bought the filter(s) to make my own.

This is my filter (from Kent Marine)

http://home.comcast.net/~94gsxr1100/RO/max60HI-S.html