RTV Antifreeze.

Doc

Doc

Admin
Staff member
GOLD Patron
We are getting 2 -4 inches of snow today with a high of 32 predicted. We already hit 32 so I suppose the temps will drop from here. Our low is supposed to be 23.

I just picked up a RTV from Alabama. I'm concerned about whether or not it would have antifreeze in it. Do you guys down south normally run antifreeze as it also stops overheating?

I didn't think of this issue until I was at work this morning. Not a dang thing I can do from here to check the anti freeze or drain out some old and add some new. At least the RTV is sitting inside my pole barn, so it should stay a tad warmer in there. I got my fingers crossed, but feel like a dummy for not thinking of this sooner. :bonk: :pat:
 
Doc,

Stop at an auto parts store on the way home from work & pick up an antifreeze tester, it should be around $3.

I don't have my service book with me to tell you the recommended service life, but if it looks clean & tests OK, you should be good for the Winter.

Rich
 
My plan exactly Rich. I have to be at sears later today anyway. If they don't have one I'll hit the local auto zone. I already have the antifreeze, just wish I'd thought of this sooner.
 
You really won't hurt anything at 32. Where you run into problems is down around 28 for MANY hours or all night. What Kubota does call for is a flush of the cooling system every couple of years. Why not just get some flush stuff and spend the few minutes that it takes to do it right? Then you can add the proper amount of anti-freeze to where you want it to be. You really don't know what is in there right now and putting in a type of anti-freeze that does NOT mix with what you have would and could be a problem.....Nothing wrong with doing it the right way........God bless......Dennis
 
Good point Dennis. Time is my issue now. Celebrating Christmas tomorrow with the kids and some will be in tonight and all tomorrow and Sunday. Christmas eve is booked solid as is Christmas, so it would be tough to squeeze in a flush right away.

do these have a real flush system built in or is that something you have to add? I know I can drain it but wondering what you are calling a 'flush'. Sorry for the questions ... I have a shop manual on the way and that will help me a lot once I get it.
 
Here is a good thread about "draining" the radiator:

http://www.nettractortalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12881&highlight=radiator+drain

For me, a "flush" is to get some of that stuff you use to put in the system that "cleans" it then run it, drain it, fill it,run it, drain it again, and then charge the system with anti-freeze. I have often just opened the pecock, took off the radiator cap, put the hose at equalibrium to equal out the going in and going out of the pecock, and just let it run for a few minutes until that that comes out is clear.

If you just need to get by and then later do it, follow your plan above about checking it and if you need to add some antifreeze do that and then later when you have time and no snow to contend with as you crawl around under it do it right. (ah, for a lift and and warm barn).........You are in Ohio and I would assume that you already have been cold and snowy, so for me, just do the check now and then after Christmas do the chore. lol...for me, I am ready already to have some things to do to "escape" the noise, confusion, and bedlam of kids, inlaws, and friends.........Ahhh for the peace that celebrating Christ brings.............God bless......Dennis
 
Gets down to -30f on occasion..A 50/50 mixture is the usual for coolant in this area..Pic taken today during a pause in the storm you sent us. We usually send the cool arctic air south so lets call it even.
 

Attachments

  • RTV in the snow.JPG
    RTV in the snow.JPG
    72.2 KB · Views: 126
Thanks Doc, I really appreciate it. Now you have me wondering if the 450 has enough antifreeze in it for a deep freeze. I never thought about it either until I saw this post. Luckily it is only going to be 28 or so for a few hours so I will be good for tonight. I guess I know what I will be doing tomorrow.
 
just get the tester Doc. If there is no antifreeze in it,,, drain the radiator and add 50-50. If there is any antifreeze at all in it,,everything will be ok till after christmas,,,then you could flush it. If it is clean,,,they have antifreeze now that will mix with any other antifreeze. Read the label! Merry christmas.
 
Don't worry about the antifreeze. Get a tester ... test it ... confirm that the solution is good to -35 or so, which a standard 50-50 solution is. Even in the South we use 50-50 antifreeze solutions. If you're gonna drive your RTV to McMurdo Station or some other point in Antarctica, you might need to boost your solution a bit. Otherwise ...
 
It was dark, windy and snowing last night when I got home, so I waited until today to check out the anitfreeze. Who would have thought I'd have a hard time finding the radiator. I looked all over. could not find it. I was in the pole barn where the light was not the best. I looked, and looked and looked. Son in law looked and kept saying are you sure it has a radiator?

Finally took it for a ride outside and tried looking again. Finally found it. :pat: What was in the radiator sure looked rusty but it was good to -35 er so. Pegged my gauge. So all is good there but it obviously does need flushed. I'll take care of that once it warms up a tad.
 
Doc, are you sure it is rusty or just old pink stuff? I would not run a flush cleaner if it was mine. Pull the bottom hose and flush it with a garden hose. Put hose on and fill with water and run it till warm and repeat. Then add your antifreeze. Don't know about Kubota but most diesels those canned flushes are not recommended. While you do it check the fins for seeds etc.
 
It was rust color but sure could have been old pink stuff. It had plenty of anti freeze capability, but probably old. What 'seeds' on the fins? You mean like white mineral growth or build up?
 
Weed seeds! They tend to get sucked into the fins along with grass and leaves. I blow mine out pretty often same as I do with the tractors. When the fan is running it acts like a vacuum cleaner and pulls them in and blocks the airflow.
 
Good morning to all. If i might add there is a test that needs to be done on diesel cooling systems coolant that checks the SEI level in the coolant. It was explained to me this level needs to be maintained to help with pitting in the cooling system. If i understood things correct the severe vibrations inside a diesel engine caused by combustion, you know how a diesel knocks, will cause tiny air pockets to form on liners or cylinders in the cooling jacket however small that air pocket will start a rust hole and can and will eat through if left alone as happened to a 180 Allis Chalmers we had on our farm. When i was working on brown trucks every PMI that came due we were to chcek this level and add a conditioner to adjust this level. Or i do believe it is a very good idea to change coolant on a schedule as i need to make my stuff last.
 
Good info guys thanks. I'm with ya now on the weed seeds. :bonk:
Good info Whatscookin. Very good info. This would make it more critical to stay to the Kubota recommended maintenance schedule.

I can't wait to get the manual for my RTV. It's in the mail, so I should have it soon.
 
Doc said:
Good info guys thanks. I'm with ya now on the weed seeds. :bonk:
Good info Whatscookin. Very good info. This would make it more critical to stay to the Kubota recommended maintenance schedule.

I can't wait to get the manual for my RTV. It's in the mail, so I should have it soon.
Click to expand...

That's what they all say, ain't it??:yum:

Good luck, & have fun, Doc.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top