Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Coolant Flush and Change

[tajensen]

I think it's time to change my coolant as I began to overheat yesterday while pulling only a 8 k lb. trailer uphill. I've been reading about flushing coolant in the forums, but I want to make sure that I do it right. Here is my tentative plan:



-Warm the engine and let the heat run full blast

-drain all fluid in the raidator and reservoir, then close the valve

-fill the radiator with 4 gallons of distilled water and 4 scoops of Electro-sol Automatic Dishwasher powder

-let the engine warm again, then drain the fluid

-fill with 4 gallons of distilled water, drive, then drain

-fill 50/50 of Fleetguard and distilled water



How does that sound? Also, is Fleetguard distributed by Cummins only, or can I get it elsewhere? Should I put in a 180 degree thermostat too? Thanks.



-Tim

 

[Fireman Dave]

If you are overheating, I'd say your thermostat is probably the problem, not the coolant. But it's a good idea to flush the coolant anyway. While you're at it, put in a new thermostat.



The dish washing powder is a new one on me. Never heard that one before - sounds a little strange.



Steve St. Laurent posted these directions - which are very good and helpful.



From Steve St. Laurent :



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.



Good Luck!

 

[EricBu12]

I woudn't use the powdered soap, not needed if system is relativaly clean.



Just drain like above but what I did is use the back flush system you can get at the store and I cut the heater hose coming from the engine and inserted the "T" here. Used the Hose to back flush til clear water is evident out the rad cap. then drain again. I did 2 things on the backflush, When the hose was running, i pinched off the heater hose on one side then the other side of the "T" to clear the heater core then the engine. then drain and I also used a air blower from a compressor to blow through the "T" till I got almost all the water out. usisng the pinch meathod again... I then filled with 50/50 mix. Got 5 gal or so. added more to Bottle later but not much. One neat thing, I left the cap on the "T" off so the air would be bled out while filling with coolant.

 

[Joe Mc]

Tim,



Not sure if this was mentioned but, don't forget to remove and clean the reservoir tank. You'll be surprised how much muck is in the bottom of it.



Joe Mc

 

[Pit Bull]

The thing I hate about the antifreeze change is getting rid of all of the fluid Because of all of the hassle I will continue to have Cummins or the Dealer do mine. Never heard of putting dishsoap in there? Might leave that step off.

 

[GWHaley]

Dishsoap

At the Cat dealer I worked at, we used dishwasher soap to clean up after an oil cooler failure. Works good for that, But I wouldn't use it if I didn't have to. Whatever you do, DO NOT use a dishwashing liquid in the cooling system way to many suds!!! You'll be rinsing for days:{

 

[dieselluver]

I also work for CAT and we use powdered dish soap all the time for flushing cooling systems. Sometimes it can take up to 4 hours of flushing when an oil cooler goes out. Also don't forget to back flush your heater core!!



Ryan

CAT diesel tech

 

[Diesel Gunner]

Just a helpful tip on getting your overflow tank off. When I changed the coolant in my rig there was about 3/4" of gelled coolant in the bottom of the overflow tank that needed to be gotten out. I used a dog leash, you know the flat nylon type, and just looped it under the bottom of the tank and pulled it up between the tank and radiator mount and it popped right off. Obviously, the tank must be empty and disconnected from the radiator. I had read threads where different folks had talked about using a wooden block and a hammer from underneath but I just did not like the sound of that.



The tank will pop right off and is easily cleaned afterward. I doubt that many of us have ever been able to just grab it with bare hands a pull up on them and have them come off. I know that it did not work for me.

 

[TowPro]

I always remove the thermostat cover, throw the thermostat over your sholder into the trash, remove the lower hose which ever place is easist, then squart the hell out of the block through the place where the thermostat goes.



Then I do the same to the radiator as well as the over flow bottle.



Let everything drain.



Put everything back together with a new thermo (180 deg from Cummins), don't forget to tighten the radiator petcock.



Next figure out what your cooling system holds, then add 1/2 that in antifreeze (I use the type in the yellow bottles) Save some so you can fill your overflow bottle 1/2 way to the full line (fill the other 1/2 way up the bottle with distilled water).



then top it off the radiator with distilled water, run it for a couple minutes, make sure the radiator is full, then go out and drive it until the thermostat opens.



Let it cool, any air is the system should have excaped and sucked antifreeze out of the overflow bottle. After its cool, open the radiator and check the level.

 

[Joe Mc]

As far as removing the reservoir tank, from up top I used a brake adjusting spoon (has a flat wide blade) and pried a little between the shroud and the tab on the top of the reservoir tank until the tab cleared, then just pulled it up and out. Snaps right back in. Ditto what the others said about a new 180 stat and the distilled water is a definite, for $. 50 / gallon why chance dumping the nasty s_ _t we drink into our precious Cummins':-laf