Check your anti freeze people!

[Alycidon]

As a general warning the action of getting hot and cooling down will over a period of time cause the products in Ethelene Glycol antifreeze to fall out of solution. They then form a sludge in the bottom of the rad that can block small intercooler pipes.

 

For this reason it is recommended that this traditional type of antifreeze is replaced at 2 year maximum intervals with the cooling system being flushed when replacing.

 

There are new now high cost antifreezes around that could perhaps negate that, but users of Bluecol etc need to be aware of this. Given the colder winters we are now having running a 50/50 antifreeze/water solution is a good idea.

 

A

[gensetsteve]

Begining of October is a good time to check antifreeze on everything in the yard. We change antifreeze when condition indicates. in the last few years the 5 year stuff is now about the same price as the old bluecol stuff. I dont like changing coolant every 2 years especially in hard water areas as the minerals can build up and clog rads. If you have had an engine freeze and 'got away with it ' keep a close eye as often in a few weeks the head gasket goes or core plug falls out or a manifold somewhere has a crack in it. Dont want to bore the pants off but after 20 years of looking after large gensets have a good knowledge on Antifreeze if anyone needs advice.

[Alycidon]

When I retired from the HGV/PSV scene the 5 year stuff was just coming into use, it was at the time very very expensive. Having used synthetic and semi synthetic oils in my Discos for the last 400,000 miles I can vouch for modern technology.

 

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[gensetsteve]

When I retired from the HGV/PSV scene the 5 year stuff was just coming into use, it was at the time very very expensive. Having used synthetic and semi synthetic oils in my Discos for the last 400,000 miles I can vouch for modern technology.

 

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I buy in 200 litre barrels i think the 3 year is £1.20 a litre and 5 year £1.40. My knowledge on oil is less, its brown if the engine lives it was good. I think Timber cutter on here was in the lube business and does not speak highly of some synthetic oils. I got the impression some is poor quality man made stock.

[TRADITIONAL LOGGERS]

Important to also run the heater system to mix cold and hot water.