Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) burping the cooling system 02 5.9l 201K

[DEWright]

What is the best and easiest way to get all of the air out of your engine after changing water pump and thermostat?

 

[PC12Driver]

The thermostat has a "jiggle pin" built into it to allow the air to escape without the engine running for that very purpose. No need to run it up to operating temp with the radiator cap off like a gasser. Fill it and go.

 

[DEWright]

I tried this.

The thermostat has a "jiggle pin" built into it to allow the air to escape without the engine running for that very purpose. No need to run it up to operating temp with the radiator cap off like a gasser. Fill it and go.

The problem that I have is the temp gauge is fluxuating alot since I changed the water pump and the thermo when pulling a trailer. The fan clutch is cyclilg alot which it didn't do before I changed the pump and the thermostat. I am wondering if I may have not gotten enough water in it. The overflow shows to be full. Thx.

 

[WestTN]

You may have a bad thermostat.

 

[PC12Driver]

How big are the swings on the temp guage?

 

[DEWright]

How big are the swings on the temp guage?

They are 10-15 degrees. I am wondering if I got enough coolant in the system when I refilled it.

 

[DEWright]

what is the recommended thermostat? 180 or 190? Thx.

 

[ALepley]

what is the recommended thermostat? 180 or 190? Thx.

180 is factory thermostat

 

[Crazy Horse]

The 02's came with a 190 from the factory. I changed mine out 5 years ago to 180 due to being in the south now, and just recently put a new one in along with new antifreeze. You are supposed to mix 50/50 antifreeze to distilled water. or use Cummins premix. It does take awhile to work all the air out of the system. After you drive it to operating temperature, and shut it down, let the engine cool all the way down, pop the cap and top off to fill the radiator all the way to the top. Then put the cap back on. I will do this for 3-4 thermostat openings until it doesn't show a lower point.