Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Coolant Capacity?

[Gifford]

I flushed/drained my radiator the other day, replaced all the hoses, bought 3 gallons distilled water and 3 gallons prestone since the owners manual says the coolant capacity is 6 gallons. I was only able to get 3 gallons of coolant and 2 gallons of water into the truck, what gives? (I even drove the truck for awhile to get the temp up and thermostat open thinking maybe that the engine had to be at operating temp before the coolant could fill up the engine pasages. Is this ratio of coolant to water OK? (66% antifreeze)

 

[cpollard]

I recently did the same. I replaced about 4. 5 gallons, I used shell elc coolant anyone heard good or bad things about this red coolant. It has slowed the thermostat swing to 190-140.

 

[radixr]

Where did that extra gallon go?

It was still in the engine. If you look closely, the rear of the engine is significantly lower than the front. You still had a gallon of water laying in the block. Since you flushed it out, the coolant ratio should be very close to the desired 50%.



The next time I change my coolant, I am going to back the truck up on ramps to drain the engine more completely.

 

[RKohn]

i picked up one of those t fittings and a hunk of heater hose today...

if i get a garden hose adapter with a double female end, i'm gonna backflush'er. Oo.

 

[Extreme1]

Did you drain the radiator? The return hose is a ways up from the bottom. If you didn't drain the radiator, you left quite a bit in it.



I got 5 1/2 gallons in mine when I did it lat year.