Radiator Fluid

I noticed my radiator was a little low, so any recommendations on what kind a fluid to add, besides water? I have a 1949 Farmall H that is located in Central Indiana. I use it twice a year to bush hog 11 acres. Thanks for the replies.....
 
A 50-50 mix of your favorite brand of antifreeze and distilled water. They also sell premixed antifreeze
but it costs more per gallon. Distilled water has no disolved minerals in it that form deposits inside
the cooling system that inhibit heat transfer.
 
Not for my own benefit, but I think the antifreeze mixture already in the tractor should be looked at first. Is it green or orange? I understand the two types are not compatible. find out what type the existing mix is, then buy matching antifreeze and add some of that type along with adding a little distilled water. Just my opinion....

Dennis M. in W. Tenn.
 

Or - since you don't seem to know what is in it, drain & flush then refill with new anti freeze.
 
You do realize that water expands as it is heated, and an H does not have an overflow tank like a modern vehicle.

The radiator cannot be filled right to the neck, because it will blow water out as the tractor gets up to operating temperature. Then you will panic and think your tractor is overheating, or has a blown head gasket, when all it is, is you've overfilled the radiator.

It should be a "little low" to allow for this expansion. If there's water in the top tank, it's good to go.
 
Its my personal opinion that Dex Cool (orange) does not belong in these tractors. Stick to the green/yellow "compatible with all types". Peak or Prestone seem to be stocked locally and work well.

A good insurance policy with any "new to you" tractor is to verify the concentration with a floating ball tester, so it doesn't freeze-burst the first winter.

Its always a low priority on my list but I feel like the entire coolant should be changed every 5 years or so, there are corrosion inhibitors that degrade over time.
 
H is a good little tractor. if your temp guage works and it isn't getting hot then don't be concerned about it. You an buy some prestone anti freeze and add some but don't fill it to the top or you will make a mess after it wars up as it will expand some. do not add just water. just anti freeze only.
 
I don't recommend running straight glycol coolant. There's roughly a 25% penalty in heat transfer for doing this.

The 50-50 mix is a time-tested blend that gives -40F freeze protection and ~87% of the specific heat capacity (ability of the fluid to hold & move heat) of pure water.

Source: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/ethylene-glycol-d_146.html
 

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