Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Coolant Change

[seemore]

Not to start a war; but: I want to change my coolant. My truck has 57k miles & the dealer has changed it once, putting in Chrysler RamCool. Which I'm told is the same as good old Prestone!

I have done a search & read 10,000 threads on antifreeze. But I am oh so confused???!!!! On my '98 ISB 24 valve, should I use regular old Prestone or the new HOAT Zerex G-5 or Fleetguard???

The Dealer said plain old Prestone is fine. And it has already been changed once with Prestone equivlant.



Thanks,

Earle

 

[Pmaloney]

I am running the Rotella Extended Life Coolant in mine it is supposed to be compatible with the Cummins and comes pre-mixed so no worrys on mixing with distilled/demineralized water. Just my 2 cents.

 

[rweis]

I just did mine and used the FleetGuard ES Complet EG premix. Use what you want, but I agree with using premix. It is mixed right, with the right kind of water so you can cocentrate on the flush and refill.



IF it has been a while since last change you should check your thermostat for functionality. I bought a new one and installed it and kept the origional as a toolbox spare.



Bob Weis



ps Steve StLarence (sp?) has a really good thread on how to get it flushed well and then fully refilled. Instructions are well written and easy to follow.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

I would like to see that thread on flushing if anyone knows where it's at. I can't seem to find it, maybe I just looked in the wrong spot.

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

Here ya go:

Here's how I did mine and I got approximately 5. 5 gallons into the system, first I opened the petcock on the radiator (turn it, then pull on it a little, turn, pull, turn, pull - until it starts draining), that will drain the fluid out of the overflow bottle, once the overflow bottle is empty then take the radiator cap off. Now pull the hose connector off the top of the engine and remove the thermostat. Once it stops draining, pour distilled water into both the inside and outside holes in the thermostat hole until you see clear water flowing out of the radiator. Now pour in straight 100% coolant into those same two holes until you see coolant running out the radiator. Close the radiator petcock. Some of the water and some of the 100% coolant will be trapped in the system - should be around 50/50. Now pour in either pre-mix or mix 50% coolant with 50% distilled water in through the thermostat hole until the system is as full as you can get it. Then put the new thermostat in and the top radiator hose connector. Finish filling the radiator with the mix, close the radiator cap and then fill the overflow bottle. Run the truck until it's warmed up (so the thermostat opens) and then check the overflow bottle again.



Using this method I was able to get in approximately 5. 5 gallons (actually poured in more than that but some of it pours out) and I didn't have any problems with trapped air because I was backfilling the system from the engine to the radiator. You want to use distilled water only so you don't get mineral deposits in your coolant system.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

Thanks Steve, what kind of coolant did you use? Did you add any additives at all? I need to change my coolant and I just want to do it right. Thanks

 

[LandShark]

Just did a flush and refill today with Prestone extended life coolant (not Dex-cool) from Walmart. I was able to get 5. 5 gal. in by both draining with the bottom drain and by taking apart the heater line at the front of the engine and blowing low pressure air thru both sides.



If you use the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, be sure to have some o-rings available. It's common that they tear. Size is 1/2" ID, 3/32" thick, 11/16" OD (about a buck for two). Be sure to use silicone grease (not sealant) when installing o-rings. My plug had grooves for two o-rings, so I used two. The outer one will act as a dust shield. I took the plug totally out for the final flush to get better water flow.



BTW: I'm still on my OEM hoses and thermostat. My first (and last) flush was at 90,000 miles with Prestone. Coolant came out clean and flush water was also fairly clean. What I can see of the inside of the radiator looks very clean, also.



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[dresslered]

I was just asked this question as well. Cummins West long ago convinced me to use the Fleetgaurd HD Coolant, ES Compleat, Propylene Glycol 50/50 premix. Lots of people say that the Ethylene Glycol is better, but the main difference is only a few degrees in Boiling Point (Ethylene is slightly higher). The Propylene is much more environmental friendly, so I'm just going to stick with it. Besides, it is pretty blue. (Not to be confused with the windshield fluid though). The bad part about either is that they are only available at Cummins and maybe a few other truck shops. My last purchase from Cummins West shows that I paid $8. 66 gallon in the case price. It is probably a little more expensive than most, but I don't really like experimenting with the other brands.

 

[CRSmith]

I used supertech from walmart. I haven't seen an overly compelling argument to use any kind of special fluid as long as it's changed on time.

 

[GSatler]

is there a drain plug on the block??? where????

 

[Rob Levandoski]

I am surely not an expert in the way of anti-freeze but can pass on my recent experience. I changed my antifreeze about 3 weeks ago. I stopped by my local Cummins dealer and he recommended the pre-mixed Fleetguard (300K mile version - - again, not an expert). I conducted 4 radiator flushes (drain - run - replace x4) until the radiator water was clear. Replaced original thermostat with new (from Dodge dealer). Did a final radiator drain and replaced with almost 5 gallons of new Fleetguard stuff.



Results - truck runs MUCH cooler ! It's awesome ! Don't remeber the cost for 6-gallons of Fleetguard but the premix was worth the charge. The whole project took me about 2-hours (plus or minus). I've rechecked fluid levels twice and added just a small bit of fluid . . . I check with a propylene glycol meter sometime in the fall to prepare for winter. I'm convinced this was well worth the time and effort.



Hopefully you get the same results.