Antifreeze Change/Draining '05

[RRR]

Have an '05 5.9 3500 with 59k on it and original coolant. Going to drain radiator and do a partial coolant replacement . Rather than taking off the lower radiator hose as some suggest cannot one just use the plastic petcock on the drivers side lower radiator corner? Slower yup but simpler....time I got.....
Q1.... I just turned it (90 degree twist) and doesn't drain. Probed it w a stiff wire and doesn't seem plugged. Maybe warm coolant up and see if pressure will initiate flow? ....
Q2....As long as coolant out would you replace the thermostat w new Mopar 190 ? Being it's only 59k but 17 yrs old.
Q3.... My idea on the partial coolant change was to just do a radiator/upper block coolant change every yr for the next 3 yrs rather than a total change now. Manual says change at 102k or 60 mo so way under on one, way low on the other......You guys think this is ok....or a dumb idea?
Input appreciated......

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I rec just disconnecting the lower rad hose while your front end is facing down a slope. But do as you will.

Unwind the petcock all the way out. You've barely got any miles on it so the plastic shouldn't be as heat cycled and brittle.

If the vehicle has been sitting for a while, check for electrolysis with a volt meter. Or test the coolant with a test strip. If its still within spec just leave it as is.

A coolant change every year is overkill, just drive it more often.

Welcome to the TDR Forums.

 

[BigPapa]

This is the drain cock. Turn it CCW until it stops, then start pulling while turning. I believe it’s more than 180* for full open and then you can pull it out. The part is Dorman 61134, available at O’Reilly’s for @ $7.00. I’d suggest having one in the glove box.

 

[NIsaacs]

Just syphon the radiator out the top. The bottom hose removal will not drain the radiator completely and the drain cock can be problematic and make a mess. I recommend flushing the system, then forget about it for 5 years.

 

[CVR222NV]

Here's an old post with the procedure for a full flush done by AH64ID. This is what I did but I tried to use the original petcock only to find out it leaked from a split o-ring. Use a new petcock. As indicated they are cheap.

Coolant flush on a 3rd Gen. | Dodge Cummins Diesel Forum (cumminsforum.com)

 

[06 Dodge]

Make sure you use the correct anti freeze HOAT, I used Zerex G05 & distilled water then mixed it 60/40, I never have liked pre mixed stuff....

 

[075.9Cummins]

O'Reilly showing $23 gallon for the Zerex G05 concentrate and $21 for the 50/50. Distilled water at grocery store 89 cents a gallon.

 

[BigPapa]

I’ve never understood it myself. You’re basically paying the same price for half the product. Now, some coolants, like the Aisin coolant I had to buy last week for the wife’s Lexus, is only available prediluted.

 

[RRR]

I’ve never understood it myself. You’re basically paying the same price for half the product. Now, some coolants, like the Aisin coolant I had to buy last week for the wife’s Lexus, is only available prediluted.

 

[RRR]

Thanks all for your input esp how the petcock works. I'll get back to the antifreeze change this weekend. Still undecided if I'm going to just change the amount in the radiator every yr for the next 3...4 yrs (a pretty simple process) or bite the bullet and do a complete chance now......OEM antifreeze so 17 yrs old and lived a pretty easy life but suppose the anticorrosive additives could be a little suspect.......Is a second vehicle, mostly used to pull a small RV in S,S,F months. Sit's in heated shop winter's.

 

[Ozymandias]

Seventeen years old - OMG do a complete drain, flush it several times and use a radiator cleaner.

Seventeen years is horrible.

 

[BigPapa]

Guaranteed to have scale buildup....