Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) antifreeze draining

[Gregg Mig]

What's the best way to drain all or most of the antifreeze out of the engine without removing the thermostat. I know how to drain the radiator by loosening the petcock on the radiator. I guess my question is,is there a drain plug somewhere on the block like in other engines? Thanks,Gregg

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Removing the thermostat is REALLY easy on our trucks. It's self sealing and all - just pull the bolts (3 if I remember right) and lift it off. You don't have to replace a gasket, sealer or anything.

 

[ata]

The thermostat is in the head and or at the top of the engine removing it won`t get the water out of the block. The best way is to pull the lower radiator hose off the engine.

 

[Loren]

Gregg,



I agree with ata. Remove the lower radiator hose to drain as much coolant as possible. Back flush with a hose attached to the heater fitting in the head. You will see rusty water drain from that lower radiator hose. The petcock won't let water out fast enough for a good flush.



Buy hose clamp pliers from an auto parts store to get the hose clamp off. See the current TDR, pages 115-116 for Jim Anderson's opinion regarding replacing those clamps with screw-on clamps. Dodge's position is that you need to use the same spring-type clamps, but I can't fault Jim's logic either.



For the full how-to on changing coolant, see my article in TDR #35, page 76. I learned a lot researching for that article.



Good luck.



Loren

 

[Newf Limo]

Flushing and flushing. . .

I have been reading about multiple flushes and have a question. I have read about flushing as much a 6 times. Am I correct that the mighty CTD holds 6 gallons? 6x6= 36gallons. What are you putting 36 gallons of waste coolant contaminated water into? This is my hold up for flushing the system. Since I own my property, have a well, have animals and wildlife, what the heck do I do with all the flush water?