Someone modified my cooling system : Kubota L3130

[hendr1x]

So I found a picture in the owners manual attached showing the nipple....nothing attached. I then decided to go out and fill the reservior and you know what....its 100% not functional. So I guess this is stock and maybe used/drilled out on different models.

So how does this work when I need to refill coolant? I assume I fill the radiator, then the reservoir and then just watch it. The workshop instructions say to fill the reservoir directly but I don't see how that is going to work.

 

[Roadworthy]

The first step is probably to analyze how the system should work and why it works that way. It is pretty much the same as the cooling system on your car. The radiator will have a cap but it's not a pressure relief cap and is not normally removed other than when changing fluid. It will have a hose from the filler neck to the catch tank. This hose allows coolant to move from the radiator to the catch tank as it expands then back to the radiator as the fluid cools. Depending on implementation it may connect to the bottom of the catch tank or to the top through another tube extending nearly to the bottom of the catch tank. The pressure relief cap for the system will be on the catch tank to protect against over pressure. There will normally be another hose so the cap can vent safely in the event of over pressure. Coolant, when needed, is added to the catch tank. Any air in the radiator will expand and exit there. During cooling coolant is forced back into the radiator. Radiators ran for many years with no catch tank. Excess antifreeze just dumped. When cold you only filled the radiator to within an inch or so of the top. Now the catch tank ensures the coolant stays in the system and doesn't dump on the ground.