Has anyone used Flush and Fill Kits - to flush cooling system

[beowulf]

I have not drained or flushed the cooling system on Kubota L3410 TST for 4 years. It has never heated up and the cooling level has always remained at a correct level. The manual recommends flushing every two years and using a "cooling system cleaner." So I went on to check on cooling system cleaners and came across this - Prestone AF-KIT Flush 'N Fill Kit on Amazon and read the reviews there which were postitive - tho apparently for cars-trucks.

So, I will drain and clean, but am wondering just how much more thorough it would be to use such a flush kit. Anyone have experience with this or opinions? (OK, well, I know there will be "opinions" here). It appears the kit is a permanent install to permit easier flushes in the future - I am actually not anxious to do that.

Also, any recommended "cooling system cleaner?"

 

[IslandTractor]

I flushed the cooling system on my Kioti last year. Didn't use any kit. Just opened the radiator drain, put a bucket underneath and opened the radiator cap. After most drained I stuck a hose in and let it run awhile with engine on. Finally I just shut off the hose (and engine!), let the water drain and then refiled with fresh antifreeze. No issues in the 50 hours use since then.

 

[Deere Dude]

I just changed my JD3720 and my JD X740 yesterday expecting it to be as difficult as a car. I had 620 and 515 hours respectively so they were both overdo according to the owners manual..

They are easier than I thought. Basically did just like Island Tractor said. The only difference I drained and flushed with a garden hose, which was easy, then added some cleaner, ran for a while, drained and flushed then drained and flushed again. Then drained and added antifreeeze.

The only thing I didn't do on the small tractor was put the radiator cap on ,not on purpose. but when heating it up I saw antifreeze cooking out. Then I added some more.

All in all it was easy enough to do so I will start doing it every two years only won't go through the extra step of the adding cleaner schedule. Unless I find it is real important.

 

[motownbrowne]

I've read that you ought to flush it with water (with a cleaner if you like), then flush it with distilled water until all your mineraly tap water is out, then fill with coolant.

 

[JRobyn]

I share your concern about permanently installing anything. IMHO, those kits are for people who are too inexperienced or too lazy to be able to remove and replace the thermostat and a few hoses. They usually install in auto heater hose lines (to be able to route around the thermostat), so may not be feasible for a tractor.

I do mine the same way I do everything water-cooled - autos and motorcycles. Drain as thoroughly as possible, to include removing the lower radiator hose and any low-point drain plugs. Removing the thermostat is usually necessary in order to be able to get adequate flushing water flow.

Then flush thoroughly in all possible directions using plain tap water at full flow from the garden hose. Close everything back up, fill with a quality cleaner/tap water solution that's compatible with your engine materials and coolant, and run it for at least 2 heat-up and cool-down cycles.

Re-drain everything thoroughly, flush again with plain tap water, and then drain again to get as much of the cleaner and mineral-y tap water out as practical. A little left behind won't hurt anything. If you're really **** about getting the minerals and any remaining trash out, a few blasts with an air nozzle can help blow out any remains. Close it up and refill with your coolant and distilled water. After a couple more heat-up and cool-down cycles to burp out all the bubbles, final check the level. Done.

 

[TemporaryKubotaOwnerMark]

Throw a couple of teaspoons of Amway SA8 laundry detergent in there, and run it for a month or so. Drain, rinse, refill. It will get your system clean with zero risk.

You can find a dealer online.

 

[dragoneggs]

Long ago installed a flush and fill kit on a couple of my cars but don't bother now. I suppose they do make it convenient for subsequent flushings.

 

[Clay45]

Long ago installed a flush and fill kit on a couple of my cars but don't bother now. I suppose they do make it convenient for subsequent flushings.

Same here. I quit using them when the place you needed to install the T didn't have enough space or left you with little to no access. Also they tended to drip over time. But they were sure nice to flush out the system. I think the longer intervals between flushing may be the reason its not as popular as it was when you had to do it every year.