Today’s antifreeze solutions are a sophisticated blend of chemicals specifically designed to provide not only freeze protection and enhanced cooling but protection from other dangers inherent in modern, complex cooling systems such as corrosion, cavitation erosion, etc.

There are two basic types available – conventional coolants (ethylene glycol), which rely on inorganic inhibitors such as silicates, nitrites and phosphates for corrosion and cavitation protection, and organic acid technology (OAT) coolants, which rely on inhibitors such as organic acid salts for corrosion and cavitation erosion protection.

Depending on the date of manufacture, your tractor’s cooling system may be equipped with conventional ethylene glycol coolant or an OAT coolant solution. The latter is easily identified by its yellow color and a decal near the coolant fill.

These two coolant types should never be mixed. Under no circumstances should you top off a cooling system with only water. You can use a refractometer to check the concentration level. Change the coolant solution at the change interval recommended in your tractor’s operator’s manual.

If you change from a conventional coolant to an OAT coolant or vice versa, follow this procedure to attain the full benefit of the coolant:

1. Empty the engine cooling system by draining the coolant into a suitable container.

2. Fill the system with clean water.

3. Start the engine and run it for at least 30 minutes, making sure you activate the heating system (if equipped) to circulate fluid through the heater core.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for a total of two washes.

5. Fill the system with conventional coolant (or OAT coolant).

6. Operate the engine until it is warm. Inspect the machine for coolant leaks.

7. If you are changing to an OAT coolant, then attach its label to the radiator to indicate the use of an OAT coolant in the tractor.

Regularly check the coolant level in the recovery tank when the engine is cold. The coolant level should be as recommended by your tractor’s operator manual. If more coolant is required, remove the cap and add a 50-50 water and antifreeze mixture as specified by the operator manual. If no coolant is visible in the recovery tank, the coolant level must be checked in the radiator.

Check the system for leaks and repair as required. Remove the radiator filler cap when the system is cold. Add coolant mixture as required to bring the level to just below the top of the filler neck. Install the cap and add coolant to the recovery tank to the appropriate level indicated in the operator manual.

If your tractor’s engine overheats, here are some troubleshooting tips:

1. Check for blockage of air through the radiator. A dirty or blocked radiator core is often the cause and can easily be solved by cleaning the core, preferably with an air blast versus water, which if not dried totally, will accumulate dirt and plug again very quickly.

2. Check the coolant level in the recovery tank per the operator manual. Low engine coolant level could be the problem, which is solved by filling the coolant recovery tank. Check the cooling system for leaks.

If no coolant is visible in the recovery tank, the coolant level must be checked in the radiator. Check the system for leaks and repair as required. Add coolant to the radiator to just below the filler neck, then add the appropriate amount of coolant to the recovery tank.

3. Check the fan and water pump drive belt, ensure it is tightened properly and replace if faulty. Check that the fan is being driven through the viscous coupler if used for fan drive.

4. Low engine oil level could be at fault. If the oil level is low, add oil as required.

5. Replace the radiator pressure cap if suspected to be faulty. If available, a radiator pressure cap test can be performed with a radiator cap pressure tester.

6. The cause could be a malfunctioning temperature gauge or sender. If so, contact your authorized dealer.

7. The problem could be a defective thermostat. Replace it if you suspect it is faulty after making checks 1 to 3 above.

8. The cooling system coolant passages might be blocked. Drain a sample of the coolant to see if foreign materials are present that would plug the internal passage cores. If restrictions are determined, flushing or high-temperature cleaning the system will probably be the solution.

9. Excessive engine overload could be at fault. Try shifting to a lower gear, reducing the draft load or lightening the ballast carried.

10. If the overheating persists, consult your authorized dealer.

Your tractor has been designed and built to give maximum performance, dependability, economy and ease of operation under a wide variety of operating conditions. A properly managed and maintained cooling system plays an important role in the efficient operation of your tractor. Be sure to read the operator manual carefully and follow its recommendations faithfully. PD

Gary Wojcik is a brand marketing manager with New Holland. He can be contacted by email .