Kubota BX1880, BX2380, BX2680 Coolant Change and Flush

BX1880 / BX2380 / BX2680 Owner Service Guide

Kubota long-life coolant has a service life of 2 years. Flush the cooling system and change the coolant every 2000 hours or every 2 years, whichever comes first. Check the coolant level in the recovery tank and clean the radiator screen every day before starting the engine.

Capacity and coolant specification

The recovery tank holds 0.4 L (0.4 U.S. qt.) of that total. One gallon of premixed coolant covers any of the three models.

Use a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol (EG) long-life coolant and clean soft water. A 50 percent mix protects to −37 °C (−34 °F). Do not mix different brands or types of coolant. If you top up after a leak, use the same make and type at the same 50/50 ratio. If the level only drops from evaporation, add soft water.

For a quick way to test coolant condition between changes, see our video:

Draining the coolant

1. Park on firm, level ground, set the parking brake, stop the engine and remove the key. Let the engine cool completely.
2. Open the hood and place a drain pan under the engine.
3. Remove the radiator cap. The cap must be off for the system to drain completely.
4. Open the radiator drain plug or the engine drain plug and let the coolant drain.
5. Close the drain plug.

Flushing the system

1. Fill the radiator with clean soft water and a cooling system cleaner.
2. Follow the directions on the cleaner.
3. Drain the system again.
4. Before filling with long-life coolant, fill the radiator with fresh water and drain it 2 or 3 times to rinse out the cleaner.

Filling with new coolant

1. Make sure both drain plugs are closed.
2. Fill the radiator with 50/50 coolant until the level is just below the radiator cap.
3. Install the radiator cap and tighten it securely. A loose or poorly fitted cap lets coolant escape, and the engine can overheat.
4. Fill the recovery tank up to the H mark.
5. Start the engine and run it for a few minutes.
6. Stop the engine and let it cool.
7. Check the level in the recovery tank and add coolant if needed.
8. Take the used coolant to a recycling center. Do not pour it on the ground or down a drain.

Daily coolant level check

With the engine stopped and cool, check that the coolant level is between the H and L marks on the recovery tank. Add coolant to the recovery tank, not the radiator. If the level keeps dropping, look for leaks at the radiator hoses and clamps and have the system checked.

Radiator screen

Debris on the radiator screen restricts airflow through the radiator and can make the engine overheat. It also restricts air to the air cleaner. Clean the screen every day before starting the engine.

1. Stop the engine, remove the key and let the area cool.
2. Pull the radiator screen straight up by its handle to remove it.
3. Remove all grass, chaff and dirt from the screen. If debris has collected in the battery compartment, open the panel and clean it out.
4. Reinstall the screen fully so dust cannot get past it.

Parts

Parts catalogs: BX1880, BX2380, BX2680.

Related

• Hose and line inspection
• Fan belt adjustment
• BX Owner Service Guide

To have the service done at Messick's, schedule service.