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Radiator flush?

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Dirk Vanderwall

11-05-2001 18:21:03




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I am getting ready to change the radiator coolant in my 1949 TO-20. I have had the tractor for about 2 1/2 years, and this will be my first time changing the fluid. I have not had any problems with the radiator, but feel it is time for a routine fluid change. My question is, should I use a radiator cleaning/flush solution after draining the old fluid or simply drain the old fluid and add a 50:50 mix of ethylene glycol coolant and distilled water. I checked the archives and there seem to be pros and cons of both. I saw a few posts stating that leaks may be more likely after using a cleaning/flush solution, but then other posts touted the benefits of getting rust, etc. out of the cooling system. If a cleaning/flush solution is recommended, what should be used (again there were different opinions in the archives). Also, is any good quality coolant suitable for use, or do these old tractors need something special. Would appreciate hearing your comments.

- Dirk

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ErnieD

11-12-2001 13:47:18




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 Re: Radiator flush? in reply to Dirk Vanderwall (ID), 11-05-2001 18:21:03  
Do not use distilled water, very corrosive.



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Dirk Vanderwall (ID)

11-08-2001 17:34:50




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 Re: Radiator flush? in reply to Dirk Vanderwall (ID), 11-05-2001 18:21:03  
Thanks for your input Ray. I will probably use a flush/cleaning solution when I change the old fluid. Appreciate your thoughts on the subject.

- Dirk



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Ray,IN

11-07-2001 20:29:13




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 Re: Radiator flush? in reply to Dirk Vanderwall (ID), 11-05-2001 18:21:03  
Antifreeze will turn acidic over time and that begins the corrosion in the cooling system. A high quality flush and neutralzer is necessary to halt the corrosion and of course clean out the system. As for leaks, if the system was not leaking due only to the junk in it, you are on borrowed time anyway. These engines are high quality and will last for how long? But they are prone to the block cracking if overheated; that is reason enough service the radiator thoroughly if you intend to keep the tractor. That's my thoughts.

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Dirk Vanderwall (ID)

11-07-2001 10:26:04




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 Re: Radiator flush? in reply to Dirk Vanderwall (ID), 11-05-2001 18:21:03  
John and Phil:

Thank you for your responses. I'll have to put some thought into which way I'll go. Appreciate your comments.

- Dirk



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John, IN

11-06-2001 16:07:10




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 Re: Radiator flush? in reply to Dirk Vanderwall (ID), 11-05-2001 18:21:03  
Well, I just did my 1948 TO20. The owner before me did no kind of PM work of any kind on this tractor. The coolant was brown so I did use flush to clean it out. Prestone 10 min flush. I believe leaving the rust and gunk in the cooling system will do more harm than a small leak that can and should be fixed. Have a few hours on it now and no leaks and test down to -30. (Knock on wood)



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Phil (VA)

11-06-2001 08:37:14




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 Re: Radiator flush? in reply to Dirk Vanderwall (ID), 11-05-2001 18:21:03  
I don't use any flush additives for reasons you state. However, I leave drain cock open, start tractor and put water hose in top of radiator and run tractor until everything coming out is clean, also watching temp gage of course. (I use a thermostat, so have to be sure it gets warm to run thru engine.) Then I stop tractor, close drain, refill with water and run it for awhile to make sure I have no leaks. Then I drain that. When I refill, I put in a gallon of antifreeze and that takes me to about minus (-) 20 F, which is more than enough for my area. I'm sure others have their methods, but that's mine.

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