meyerske
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Even with today's coolants, do we still have to change coolant every 2 years?
Still Have to Change Coolant Every 2 Years?
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bdhsfz6
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You'll likely get a lot of comments on this but it certainly wouldn't hurt. The main issue is sludge buildup which is kept to a minimum if you change the coolant.
That being said, foolish or not, I personally have not ever changed the coolant on any of my 6 Kubotas. I owned them for between 2 and 12 years. I did add some after a few boil overs on my old B7100 though.
That being said, foolish or not, I personally have not ever changed the coolant on any of my 6 Kubotas. I owned them for between 2 and 12 years. I did add some after a few boil overs on my old B7100 though.
Depends what is in there.
I use a Delo coolant that is good for up to 8 years; though 5 years is more common in modern coolants.
"2 year" coolant will typically need SCA for diesel applications, most modern organic acid formulations will not (need SCA added).
Many people just ignore coolant (and hydraulic fluid) until a problem becomes obvious - that approach can be inconvenient, and very expensive though....
Rgds, D.
I did mine at about 4 years and maybe 500 hrs. I suppose it's due again since it's been another 3-4 years. I figure it's good to change once in a while to replenish the corrosion inhibition chemicals. I do try to be very "clean" with the coolant and use good stuff. When I change, I do a chemical clean/flush, rinse VERY thoroughly with tap water (lots of calcium), drain VERY thoroughly, and then refill with distilled water and "FleetGuard". All good to date.
diesel85
Veteran Member
I let mine go 800 hours because I used a high quality coolant. I drained it and it looked like new. However, that doesn't mean that it holds its coolant properties. For how easy it is to change it and flush it, there should be no reason to leave it.
I do change every 2 years on my JD 3520 compact. JD said I could buy test strips (ph?) after the 2 year initial change and maybe have to add some kind of additive to the original charge for up to 5 years of use.
it's so easy to change I don't bother with that and just change the stuff.
Did that with my old 650 and after 28 years never replaced a water pump or had any coolant related issues.
Works for me.:drink:
it's so easy to change I don't bother with that and just change the stuff.
Did that with my old 650 and after 28 years never replaced a water pump or had any coolant related issues.
Works for me.:drink:
AStanton
Platinum Member
I swap out the coolant in my Kubotas every 4 years, regardless of hours. Changing the coolant in the BX-25 is a royal pain. I remove the lower radiator hose to do it.
RaydaKub
Veteran Member
I am due for this work also. Haven't done it before. Looks like the drain hose is not necessarily in an efficient place to drain, but hopefully I'm wrong. What do you guys do with the old stuff? Will oil change shops take coolant?
I've done every 3 years and I hope it hasn't bitten me in the back side. I have a GMC truck with Dexcool that just got a new radiator. The other cars and trucks no issue. Tractor will be the same. You can check electrolysis with a multimeter, whether that tells the whole story, I dunno.
RaydaKub
Veteran Member
Tell me more, please.
Egon
Epic Contributor
In the area I live in used coolant can be disposed of at designated recycle depots.
4570Man
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I change the coolant when the water pump goes bad.
As coolant ages, it becomes more conductive.
Coolant Testing with a Multimeter | Family Handyman
Rgds, D.
TomSeller
Super Member
Excellent tip ! And easy !
In the distant past, I've seen conductivity vs. lifespan graphs.... somewhere..... so, I can't vouch for those exact #'s in the quick link I found, but they'll probably do as a rule of thumb.....
Rgds, D.
4get gto
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The junk yards around our area sells old antifreeze taken out cars before being parted out. Guess they figure if it looks green or orange it's good. Sure they don't care as long as they make a few extra $.
4570Man
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Maybe that's a cover up plan for dumping it on the ground. I can't imagine anyone stupid enough to buy second hand antifreeze.
RjCorazza
Elite Member
My (4) Kubotas all came with standard green coolant, which should be changed every 2 years. I have always replaced the oem coolant with a hoat (hybrid organic acid) coolant that requires changing at 5 years.
Whatever coolant type is used, I would replace it at the required interval.
Whatever coolant type is used, I would replace it at the required interval.
