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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: christopher on May 19, 2010, 06:20:58 PM

Title: antifreeze
Post by: christopher on May 19, 2010, 06:20:58 PM
how often should antifreeze be changed?
Thanks
Chris
mci5c
Title: Re: antifreeze
Post by: white-eagle on May 19, 2010, 07:00:49 PM
i just did a bunch of discussions about how to flush which resulted in some discussion about why as well as types (btw, i found DD's own AF to be cheaper than anyone else's and it comes with their blessing).  i've been told to change it when you are doing something to your cooling system.  mine has an additive filter that kept it good and i was told it was in fine shape.  But the book said annually, and i didn't run near the miles, only about 15k/yr. 

It had been over 5 years.  i just felt it was time in order to avoid any issues.  i can't afford a breakdown now.
Title: Re: antifreeze
Post by: Ednj on May 19, 2010, 07:07:32 PM
Chris,
Get your self a Antifreeze Refractometer .
check it when ever you want the meter will tell you when to change. 8)
Title: Re: antifreeze
Post by: luvrbus on May 19, 2010, 07:15:13 PM
If you running the green every 2 years if you are using the pink every 3 to 7 years depending on the formula and brand


good luck
Title: Re: antifreeze
Post by: busnut104 on May 19, 2010, 07:26:26 PM
In my opinion, I don't change if it is not dirty, I just ck and make sure it has the right additives, I test with the DD test kits, and on cars I always us a cooling system additives which also lubs the water pump and keep it from corrosion and scale. Just my way and has worked for me the last 45 years.     
Title: Re: antifreeze
Post by: luvrbus on May 19, 2010, 07:32:08 PM
I just go by the DD manual every 200,000 miles or 2 years which ever comes first for the green



good luck
Title: Re: antifreeze
Post by: Barn Owl on May 19, 2010, 08:54:25 PM
Antifreeze does not go bad. The additives and anti-foaming agents do however, and that is what you need to be concerned with. A test kit will save you lots of money and additives are a lot cheaper than changing out the whole system. You have the equivalent of a big truck, so just do what the big truckers do. UPS NEVER changes, only tests and adds the additives if needed. In addition, be sure to run a filter to clean up the junk that travels around in there and your good to go.