loose radiator clamps

pmaintman · Dec 6, 2012

I`ve been smelling antifreeze since my DK40 was delivered.I started snoopin around and found loose radiator clamps so I tightened them but not until the antifreeze level in the bottle was a little low.I want (need) to add some.What kind of antifreeze should I be using.The manual is no help.Thanks guys

VictorW · Dec 6, 2012

Just regular antifreeze via my manual. It's not the extended life or gm dexcool types. Also, due to the engine not having wet sleeves, you don't need the SCA additive or an antifreeze with that additive already mixed in.

pmaintman · Dec 6, 2012

Thanks Vic: I appreciate your prompt response. By the way these radiator clamps are terrible very thin wire gauge,they bend just trying to tighten them.Thanks again Mike

Katahdin · Dec 6, 2012

I had to tighten my hose clamps recently too, I was wondering if it was related to the cold snap we had in the Northeast and/or the climate change between here and down south where they assemble these tractors. In any event, hose clamps are one of those things the manual says to check periodically.

Coyote machine · Dec 7, 2012

The best hose clamps bar none are made by Wurth of Germany. I used to sell them when I had my foreign auto shop. They are meant to be tightened with a special screwdriver which is spring loaded so they can't be over-torqued. Most high end foreign auto shops should have then including most German auto dealers. If I remember correctly they are made of stainless steel, and will outlast most radiator hoses.

Here's a link and further info: Note Zebra clamp and special tool mentioned above near bottom of link page.
Hose Clamps | Standard Domestic Hose Clamps | ABA Clamps

No special antifreeze for the DK-40 series- just generic good quality, Prestone, etc.

rimshot · Dec 7, 2012

pmaintman said:
I`ve been smelling antifreeze since my DK40 was delivered.I started snoopin around and found loose radiator clamps so I tightened them but not until the antifreeze level in the bottle was a little low.I want (need) to add some.What kind of antifreeze should I be using.The manual is no help.Thanks guys

Maybe the DK 40 Is different than my CK 20 but if it becomes necessary to drain radiator system be careful with that light duty plastic drain cock. To drain it grasp with fingers only and turn rotating left. My book advises changing radiator coolant every two years. I replaced the engine coolant with a good grade (Peak) pre mixed with water 50/50. Well water around here is terribly hard so I am going to get Peaks premixed and trust their H20.

rimshot