Engine Maintenance
99
NOTE: The use of 50/50 percent pre-mixed
Extended Life Coolant (ELC) is recommended to
assure that de-ionized water is being used. If 100
percent full strength concentrate is used,
de-ionized or distilled water is recommended
over tap water to insure the integrity of the
cooling system is maintained.
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 “ELC
(Extended Life Coolant)” on page 98 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.
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.
2. Open the engine block drain (located behind
the starter) and completely drain the coolant.
Observe the coolant color. If the coolant is
dirty, proceed with a, b, and c. Otherwise go
to 3.
a. Run clear water into the radiator and allow
it to drain out of the block until it is clear.
b. 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.
c. Open the engine block drain to drain the
water and flushing solution.
3. Run clear water into the radiator, and allow it
to drain out of the block until it is clear.
4. Inspect all hoses for deterioration and hose
clamp tightness. Replace if necessary.
5. Loosen the water pump belt. Check the water
pump bearing for looseness.
6. Inspect the radiator cap. Replace the cap if the
gasket shows any signs of deterioration.
7. 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 add 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.)
8. Refill the radiator with the 50/50 antifreeze
mixture and make sure to bleed the air from
the cooling system as needed.
CAUTION: Avoid direct contact with hot
coolant.
CAUTION: Avoid direct contact with hot
coolant.
