What is the best radiator flush and coolant??

[belah]

I have a 1992 Kubota M4030SU and the temp guage runs between normal and hot during heavy operation (it used to stay on normal all the time). I'm wondering if I need to flush the radiator or just change the coolant? It's been a long time since the coolant was changed and the radiator has never been flushed. What is the best radiator flush and coolant that you have used in the past? What would you use in your tractor? Also, do I need to mix the coolant 50/50 with water? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Transit]

Most any brand name flush will do. I would use a diesel rated coolant at 50/50 mixed with distilled water. Also take a good look at the air side of the radiator, a clogged radiator will also overheat. A hard working engine on a hot day should run at higher temperatures.

 

[amaxwell]

1+ on the check the radiator for blockage .If you have an air compressor try blowing from the back side of the radiator,or when the engine is cold water flush from the back side.

 

[Transit]

1+ on the check the radiator for blockage .If you have an air compressor try blowing from the back side of the radiator,or when the engine is cold water flush from the back side.

Careful with the pressure or you will bend the fins and block the radiator.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

Another fan here for checking the radiator for being clogged up with dirt and debris on the fins externally. Take off the cap and look down inside to see if the tubes look clogged up. Another thing to check is belt tension to make sure the belt driving the water pump isn't worn and glazed up. Last thing is if the impellors on the water pump are worn you won't flow as much water..My two cents worth of wisdom..

 

[sixdogs]

I clean and rinse with automotive flush--Super Flush?---from Walmart and rinse a couple times with distilled water.
For anti-frreze I use pre-mixed Deere anti-freeze because it's made with de-ionized water and because
they make only one grade for all their equipment--and some of it is very expensive.
In my youth I mixed it and did all sorts of stuff but with 5 year coolant the difference in price is minimal.
Just my two cents.

 

[oliver28472]

Flush with calgonite and distilled water.

 

[cowski]

make sure the outside is clean first. i use a high pressure washer on all my tractors,you have to be careful .its hard to get them clean.

 

[Gedfish]

It's particularly important for a diesel to have a well functioning cooling system & for it to have an equalling well functioning oiling cooling system i.e. the engine oil plays an important part in heat transfer. Anyway, the good news is that to fix the cooling system is one of the easier jobs you can do on a diesel engine. Your machine is 20 years old - you don't say how many hours you've put on her?? If you have basic bench experience and a few tools you could fit a new water pump, change the engine to radiator hoses, fit a new thermostat and have the radiator reconditioned. Your Kubota would have one of the older and very well made radiators. Typically, a radiator shop will remove the top and perform a thorough clean out of the radiator. So, for around the sub $400 mark you can completely revamp your system (all parts with your own labour). I'm just doing exactly this on my Ford 4110 at the moment and have done it on other engines in the past. The point I'm making is that it's no good just flushing the radiator if the rest of the system is looking tired. It's worth borrowing a torque wrench to tighten any bolts and make sure you tidy up the threads as well. Best, Ged

 

[Paddyc]

Zetor 5043 putting out some water but not heating up would wash out help any ideas or could it be gasket new to this as I am not high tech good luck to all