401 Questions for Bern

BMAG · Oct 21, 2016

Bern, I run my farm on all 401 powered Fords and I have some questions.

I have read about the porous block issues and am trying to do the necessary maintance to prevent this from happening. So what is the necessary coolant maintance? Should I buy pre conditioned SCA anti freeze and change it once a year? I have also read about DCA's? Whats the difference and what should I use?

I have a 9600 which the blow by got so bad I quit using it and it is going to be overhauled this winter. I also have a 1979 TW 30 that is a great running tractor and had zero blow by when I bought it. This spring I noticed it producing just a slight amount of blow by. It isnt using any oil and starts great though with plenty of power. I would just like to prevent it from getting worse or at least slow it down if that is possible. Maybe I am just paranoid? haha!

Larry NCKS · Oct 21, 2016

I ain't Bern, but use premixed OAT antifreeze in those things and never worry about it again, unless you spring a leak.

Bern · Oct 21, 2016

Early to mid 80s 401s would pinhole with alarming regularity. Keep that TW protected!

I think SCAs and DCAs are the same thing. CA stands for "Coolant Additive", S stands for "Supplemental", and I believe D stands for "Diesel". Someone can correct me if I'm wrong on that.

Myself, I wouldn't mess with additives. I would simply flush the system out good, and buy a premium diesel coolant such as Fleetguard Complete. All the additives are already in there, you just mix it 50/50 with distilled water.

As for blowby, all engines have some blowby. It's when water vapor starts to come out is when you know you have a pinhole.

Biggest thing I'd worry about on a TW30 are two of the oil pumps - the engine and the low pressure hydraulic system. Both are known failures waiting to happen. In June of 1981 Ford upgraded the bearing in the hydraulic pump, so if yours is newer than that, you're fine there. Bottom line is watch your pressures carefully.

Dopp Creek · Oct 21, 2016

What does OAT stand from? All I know it as is Outside Air Temperature.

RickB · Oct 22, 2016

Organic Acid Technology.

Larry NCKS · Oct 22, 2016

Rick has it correct. The OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant AKA ELC (Extended Life Coolant) I know has a life of 12,000 hours, 1,000,000 miles or 8 years whichever comes first. It does not use SCAs or DCAs. Therefore it has no need to continually monitor coolant condition. There is some suggestion that it might need a half-life extender, but I don't think that's been stated for sure.

For dang sure, if you buy it in a concentrate, don't blend it with anything other than distilled water. Minerals in tap or other non-distilled water can react to cause scaling and electrolysis cavitation.

Most companies will now offer a premix, which is a 50/50 antifreeze/distilled water blend ready to poor in and go to work. This not only assures the proper water, but the proper freeze/bol protection as well.

401 Questions for Bern

BMAG

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Larry NCKS

Well-known Member

Bern

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Dopp Creek

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RickB

Well-known Member

Larry NCKS

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