Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Coolant questions

[TFlewitt]

Hi, new to DC medium duty diesels and have some coolant questions. What type/brand of coolant do you use - where to buy it, and can you use Redline water wetter/surfactant with it? What kind of aftermarket filters are in use, what is your experience with them, how often do you use test strips, how often do you drain and refill? What is the best way to clean my cooling system when I drain and refill in the near future? Just running empty in mid 90 degree/50-60 % humidity at 75 mph up mild hills, I see slightly raised temps up to 190-195 degrees on the gauge (don't know how accurate these are?). Is this normal? I'm wondering what are temps going to be pulling 12k lbs wide open up a steep grade if they are already starting to heat up like this? I've heard there is a TSB about a different thermostat - is this what is needed to control temps? Thanks!



Todd

 

[Beast2B]

I can't answer most of your questions, but I can give a little experience. I run between 16k-18k GCW through the mountains with my toybox, and the temp RARELY climbs more than the needle width over the 190 mark. That's with the Comp on 3x3 and 90 degree air temp. I have seen threads of people changing their thermostats out to 180 (I believe stock is 190), but I haven't seen any reason to change due to temps while towing.

I'm waiting for some more info from the gurus also, can't ever learn too much!

 

[socal_rattler]

Todd,



Here is a link with maintenance info... including coolant change tips.



For coolant, I use Fleetguard ES Complet EG pre-mix that I purchase at Cummins Cal-Pacific in Irvine. It is extended life and there is an additive they have to extend life further.



http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/maint/3rd_Gen-24v.htm#maintenance

 

[stownsend]

I'm not helping with the original question, but... . the schedule in my owners manual lists the first coolant change @ 60K. I have 50K on my truck now and I haven't changed it yet. Am I f***** up?