Draining, Flushing and Refilling Cooling System

Initial service is 3 years, 3,000 hours. After initial service drain interval would be every 5 years / 5,000 hours if John Deere Cool-Gard is used and coolant is tested at recommended intervals. If other coolants are used, drain interval would be 2 years / 2,000 hours. Follow recommendations in Fuel, Lubricants and Coolant section of this manual.

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CAUTION: Explosive release of fluids from pressurized cooling system can cause serious burns.

Shut off engine. Only remove cap when cool enough to touch with bare hands. Slowly loosen cap to first stop to relieve pressure before removing completely.

IMPORTANT: Avoid cooling system damage. Test or replace thermostats and de-aeration tank cap whenever cooling system is flushed. See your John Deere dealer.

Check de-aeration tank level. If tank is empty and recovery tank has been kept at least full cold, this indicates a leak that prevents system from recovering coolant from recovery tank. If recovery tank does not change levels between engine being cold and being warmed up, this is a sign of a leak or of being very low on coolant in the pressurized circuit.

After flushing system, cooling system should be checked for leaks and de-aeration cap should be pressure checked. See your John Deere dealer for testing.

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2. Open radiator drain cock (B).

3. Remove engine drain plug and O-ring (C), 6.8L or open engine drain cock (C) 8.1L engine.

A-De-aeration Tank Cap
B-Radiator Drain Cock
C-Engine Drain Plug and O-Ring 6.8L or drain cock 8.1L engine

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5. Remove three cap screws, cover (B), gasket and thermostats.

6. Install cover and gasket without thermostats. Tighten cap screws to specifications.

Specification

A-Cap Screws
B-Thermostat Cover

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8. Remove de-aeration tank mounting brackets (B).

9. Remove three cap screws, cover (C), seal and thermostats.

10. Install cover and seal without thermostats. Tighten cap screws to specifications.

Specification

11. Reinstall de-aeration tank mounting brackets.

12. For 6.8L and 8.1L engines, turn heater temperature control clockwise to the full on position. For tractors equipped with Automatic Temperature Control, temperature readout must say "HI" and key must be in ON position for coolant drain, flush, refill and de-aeration process.

NOTE: This is the only way to get old coolant and air out of circuit.

NOTE: See your John Deere Dealer for recommendations on cleaning solutions.

13. Close radiator drain cock, install engine drain plug and O-ring and fill system with cooling system cleaning solution. With de-aeration tank cap ON, operate engine up to operating temperature. Stop engine and drain system.

IMPORTANT: Never pour cold water or coolant into hot engine.

CAUTION: Do NOT use tap water as this contains minerals that will corrode the radiator and cylinder liners and can cause overheating and early engine or radiator failures.

14. Repeat Step 13 using distilled or de-mineralized water.

A-Air Intake and Pre-Cleaner
B-Mounting Brackets
C-Thermostat Cover

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2. Apply RTV silicone sealant to new gasket.

IMPORTANT: Thermostats should be replaced whenever system is flushed.

3. Install new thermostats, new gasket and cover. Tighten cap screws to specifications.

Specification