How Many of You Change Coolant?

[DWCox]

I like to follow the recommended maintenance schedule on things I own--except when it clearly runs contrary to common sense. My JD 790 manual is pretty explicit about dumping the coolant AND replacing the thermostat at two years or the number of stated hours.

I am not going to change out a perfectly good thermostat, but was considering dumping the coolant and flushing the system. The JD dealer, however, told me that the JD coolant in it from the factory is rated for five years, and that he does not recommend changing it.

What do you think? Are there benefits to dumping this coolant and flushing the system every two years (i.e., rust prevention, etc.)? I know flushing brake fluid ever two years is very beneficial in vehicles (retains moisture, degradation, etc.). I am now not certain what is best for a cooling system.

Any thoughts?

 

[Mighty Dodge]

My tractor is almost eight years old. I flush/fill it every two years. The thing to be careful of is the sca (anti cavitation inhibitor) is at the level is correct concentration. You can buy test strips to tell you concentration. I put tractor supply antifreeze in mine and added the sca treatment separately. It would be simpler to use JD Coolgaurd it has the sca's already in it. I'll probably use it next time.
If your tractor is less than five years old you could buy the test strips to see if it's still ok, or just go ahead and flush/fill to be sure.

M.D.

 

[circlelake]

If you do or don't change it add some water pump lube/anti rust. Keeps the seal on the water pump bearing pliable so it doesn't start leaking.

 

[DWCox]

If you do or don't change it add some water pump lube/anti rust. Keeps the seal on the water pump bearing pliable so it doesn't start leaking.

I bought the JD coolant today and will likely change it out tomorrow. Is the water pump lube/anti-rust additive necessary with the JD brand (it was $20 a gallon)? If so, where does one find this additive?

Thanks.

 

[Egon]

I am not sure but antifreeze may not all be created equally. For sure there are separate types for wet and dry sleeve engines but it seems those two types may also have variations that would affect the normal life span of the product.

Think what I am trying to say is that some coolant may be good for only two years while others may be good for a longer time.

 

[Thumper & Buttercup]

With Diesel engines we need to worry about the
ph and testing of the coolant. Your dealer will
have the additive and test equipment.

 

[foggy1111]

A few weeks ago, I put a block heater in my 790 and at the time decided to flush and change the anti freeze at the same time. I had a new gallon of Havoline anti freeze.....so...I mix er 50/50 and call it good.

Now this is the second post I have read about anti cavitation for diesels....and you guys have me worried that my anti freeze is all wrong.

Geesh.....we are getting so techy these days....a coupla days ago I didn't know there was such a thing as anti cavitation anti freeze (ignorance is bliss ). Now I gotta go read the label to make sure I got the right stuff.

 

[kennyd]

A few weeks ago, I put a block heater in my 790 and at the time decided to flush and change the anti freeze at the same time. I had a new gallon of Havoline anti freeze.....so...I mix er 50/50 and call it good.

Now this is the second post I have read about anti cavitation for diesels....and you guys have me worried that my anti freeze is all wrong.

Geesh.....we are getting so techy these days....a coupla days ago I didn't know there was such a thing as anti cavitation anti freeze (ignorance is bliss ). Now I gotta go read the label to make sure I got the right stuff.

You can get a additive at any truck dealer, like International. Also test strips to test it.

 

[DWCox]

My manual just says to use ethylene-glycol based antifreeze. I am familiar with it because I have had to use the same product in off-road motorcycles (aluminum engines).

The other comments are new information to me. But that is why I like asking questions here . . . .

 

[RalphVa]

I use the following intervals:

o 4010 tractor, every other year, as per the manual

o 240D Benz, every other year. Tried running for 3, but seemed to build up deposits visible in the radiator from the fill point.

o Toyota Tacoma, every 3rd year.

o VW Cabrio, every 5th year, as per the manual, and this car's engine is a ***** to both drain and to refill because the thermostat is on the bottom of the engine. Wouldn't want to do it more often.

My Mom's Ford Escort manual recommends changing the antifreeze solution at 100,000 miles.

Someone mentioned herein that you check the pH of the solution. Think if it starts getting too basic, that it needs chainging? I just use the above schedules.

I don't flush, just drain and refill. VERY IMPORTANT to dilute with distilled or condensed water only. No tap water. Could use rain water, but only after more than 1/2" of rain. Less will give you acidic water collected.

Ralph