Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Advice on changing lower radiator hose 2002

[roperteacher]

Hey there! I need to change the lower radiator hose on my 2002. Looks simple and easy to get at ( As compared to my 2007!!! ). . Any advice beofr ei just remove the lower hose and replace it with new??? How would I add the coolant back into the system??? Idle it until it's full or just put it into the overflow tank??? THanks!!!

 

[Wiredawg]

I disconnect the lower radiator hose on my 02 when draining/replacing coolant in the system. I refill through the radiator filler.



Wiredawg

 

[roperteacher]

Lower hose was a bit of a bugger but I got it done. . It had a steel coil in the middle of it to which I just inserted into the new hose... Need to run back to town for more coolant!! Pretty much drained the whole system!! LOL

 

[Wiredawg]

Yep, removing the lower hose is the most efficient way to drain all of the coolant out. Did you flush and refill while you were at it.



Wiredawg

 

[roperteacher]

Wiredawg, The coolant that was in it was almost new... . SO when I was done ( The clamps are a B%^&*^%* to get off the lower hose) I just added back about 5-6 gallons of coolant and took it for a drive. . When I got back I popped the hood and opened the radiator cap while it was Idling and it took maybe another quart in the radiator and I topped off the overflow tank...



It had green coolant in it when I started. But when I was at the parts store I got to reading the back of the jug of the orange stuff ( That my 07 uses) and it says that it is totally approved for Chrysler vehicles 2001 and newer, You can even use it in HOAT specified systems ( My 07) so thats what I used to refill... . I am guessing it should be fine???

 

[michaelteders]

you need to remove a plug on the head to get all the air out of the system loosen but do not remove to get air out

 

[Wiredawg]

Marty,



I use Fleetguard extended service concentrate for all three of my trucks. It's blue. I mix 50-50 w/ distilled water. I haven't looked at anything else, and can't advise you on anything other than Fleetguard.



Either do a thread search on coolant or start another thread on coolant advice.



Take care, Wiredawg

 

[DNewell]

Wiredawg, The coolant that was in it was almost new... . SO when I was done ( The clamps are a B%^&*^%* to get off the lower hose) I just added back about 5-6 gallons of coolant and took it for a drive. . When I got back I popped the hood and opened the radiator cap while it was Idling and it took maybe another quart in the radiator and I topped off the overflow tank...



It had green coolant in it when I started. But when I was at the parts store I got to reading the back of the jug of the orange stuff ( That my 07 uses) and it says that it is totally approved for Chrysler vehicles 2001 and newer, You can even use it in HOAT specified systems ( My 07) so thats what I used to refill... . I am guessing it should be fine???

You cannot mix the two coolants, based upon my knowledge. They are not mixable, and apparently can do some bad stuff. Not too sure what, but I've just heard it's a big no-no. Always use the same color when refilling. If I were in your shoes, I would drain entire system, refill with just water, run and then drain, and then refill with only one specific color, which I would recommend running green. i personally just changed all my fluid with cheapo NAPA brand, and it seems to be just fine. just my $. 02.

 

[roperteacher]

When I took off that lower radiator hose, I bet 99. 9% of that coolant came gushing out of the engine. THe engine was warm to begin with. After refilling and checking all the fittings and radiator/overflow. . there is not one hint of dark color to indicate there was any coolant left in there from the previous engine fill. . THink all is OK?? THanks!

 

[Wiredawg]

I can't say that it is good or bad mixing the gallon or so left in the engine with the different kind of coolant; just that I would have flushed it out w/ water and added mix of the of a single brand. I don't mix fluids of any kind, except power steering an washer fluid. I might be OK.



Sorry I'm not much help on this point.



Wiredawg