Antifreeze Maintenance Procedure

As with all equipment containing antifreeze, periodic inspection on a regular basis is required to verify the condition of the antifreeze. Inhibitors become worn out and must be replaced by changing the antifreeze. Change ELC (red) engine coolant every five years or 12,000 hours (whichever occurs first).

Do not mix green or blue-green engine coolant with ELC (red) engine coolant. See “Extended Life Coolant (ELC)” for more information about ELC.

The factory recommends the use of a 50/50 antifreeze mixture in all units even if they are not exposed to freezing temperatures. This antifreeze mixture will provide the required corrosion protection and lubrication for the water pump.

Parent topic: Engine Cooling System

Checking the Antifreeze

Check the solution concentration by using a temperature compensated antifreeze hydrometer or a refractometer (P/N 204-754) designed for testing antifreeze. Maintain a minimum of 50 percent permanent type antifreeze concentrate and 50 percent water solution to provide protection to -30 F (-34 C). Do not mix antifreeze stronger than 68 percent permanent type coolant concentrate and 32 percent water for use in extreme temperatures.

Changing the Antifreeze

  1. Run the engine until it is up to its normal operating temperature. Stop the unit.

      Caution
    • Risk of Injury
    • Avoid direct contact with hot coolant.

  2. Open the engine block drain and completely drain the coolant. Observe the coolant color. If the coolant is dirty, proceed with steps a, b, and c. Otherwise proceed to step 3.

    1. Run clear water into the radiator and allow it to drain out of the block until it is clear.

    2. Close the block drain and install a commercially available radiator and block flushing agent, and operate the unit in accordance with instructions of the flushing agent manufacturer.

        Caution
      • Risk of Injury
      • Avoid direct contact with hot coolant.

    3. Open the engine block drain to drain the water and flushing solution.

  3. Inspect all hoses for deterioration and hose clamp tightness. Replace if necessary.

  4. Loosen the water pump belt. Check the water pump bearing for looseness.

  5. Inspect the radiator cap. Replace the cap if the gasket shows any signs of deterioration.

  6. If using ELC concentrate, mix one gallon of ELC concentrate and one gallon of de-ionized or distilled water in a container to make a 50/50 mixture (Do not add antifreeze and then water to the unit. This procedure may not give a true 50/50 mixture because the exact cooling system capacity may not always be known).

  7. Refill the radiator with the 50/50 antifreeze mixture and verify to bleed the air from the cooling system as needed.