How to Change the Antifreeze in a Ford 3000 Tractor

by Nathan Fisher

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Antifreeze and coolant are synonymous for the liquid used in an engine's cooling system. The terms are often used interchangeably. The liquid, most commonly a solution of ethylene glycol and water, protects the engine from overheating as well as from freezing. Over time the ethylene glycol breaks down, losing its protective abilities, and has to be changed. The most thorough method of changing the antifreeze in a Ford 3000 tractor involves draining the radiator and back-flushing the system with water before refilling system with fresh coolant.

Step 1

Allow the tractor's engine to cool completely. Twist off the radiator cap and place the drain pan under the radiator's drain petcock, located at the bottom of the radiator. Open the petcock and drain the coolant from the radiator. If the petcock sticks, apply gentle pressure with pliers.

Step 2

Move the drain pan under the lower radiator hose and remove the lower hose clamp with the screwdriver. Pull the lower hose off the radiator and finish draining the coolant from the system. Replace the lower radiator hose and reattach the hose clamp. Close the drain petcock. If the tractor has a coolant recovery tank, pull the rubber hose off the recovery tank and drain the coolant into the drain pan.

Step 3

Remove upper radiator hose clamp with the screwdriver and pull the hose off the radiator. Insert the garden hose roughly six inches into the upper radiator hose and use the shop towel to fill the void between the garden hose and the radiator hose. If the tractor is equipped with a cabin heater, set the heater control to "high."

Step 4

Turn on the garden hose and allow the water to run until the liquid that comes out the upper hose fitting on the radiator is clear. Turn off the water and remove the garden hose and shop towel from the radiator hose. Drain the system by opening the radiator's drain petcock valve and removing the lower radiator hose. After the system has drained completely, close the petcock and reattach both the radiator hoses to the radiator with the hose clamps. Reconnect the rubber hose to the coolant recovery tank

Step 5

Consult the service manual for your tractor to determine the capacity of the cooling system and refill the system to half of its capacity with new antifreeze. For example, if the cooling system capacity is rated for 12 quarts you will need to add 6 quarts of fresh antifreeze. Top off the system with water.

Step 6

Start the engine and allow the engine to run, with the radiator cap off, until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature. Turn off the engine and allow the system to cool. Top of the system with water and replace the radiator cap.

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