Coolant replacement procedures

[JField]

I have a 2007 3500 mega cab 5.9 with 165000 miles. I tow a heavy 5th wheel. I need info on the correct procedures for removing and replacing the engine coolant. Also, what else should be done while I’m doing this job. It is still cooling well, doesn’t run hot. Fan clutch works as it should. Just thinking preventative maintenance.

 

[DavidC]

Best way I have, remove lower radiator hose, reattach, Fill with distilled water drive to operating temp, drain again add 2 gallons unreduced antifreeze and fill the rest with premix or distilled water and unreduced in the proper ratio. The initial unreduced is for the approx. 2 gallons of distilled that does not drain. The petcock on radiator is problematic that is why I say remove lower radiator hose. If your not having pump or thermostat problems I would say to leave them alone.

 

[seafish]

Here is the mother of all coolant flush threads for 3rd gen trucks.
Unfortunately pix don't work anymore (thanks photo bucket!!!), but it is really well written out--

https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/3rd-gen-tech-articles/220514-coolant-flush-3rd-gen.html

 

[GCroyle]

Or this one by AH64ID

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/coolant-flush-on-a-3rd-gen.218402/

 

[AH64ID]

Sorry about the pics, photobucket got greedy.

Ask here if you need any details that aren’t in the article.

 

[CVR222NV]

I followed AH64ID's thread when I did mine but drained the radiator using the petcock and it leaked (cracked o-ring). Drained the radiator again and replaced the petcock with new. When I do it again I will just purchase a new petcock as they are not expensive.

 

[cwbyinjeep]

I had an upper hose blow out on me last week, in order to bleed the system I had to take a threaded freeze plug out of the head and fill with 2 gallons in order for the water pump to prime as the 2 gal I put in the radiator just sat there regardless of time or engine rpm when I started up the first time.

 

[Ozymandias]

Never did it so, to me, complicated.
Drained, filled the radiator, started the engine, topped of while running, closed radiator cap when overflowing, filled external bottle, finish.
Worked always flawless.

 

[GCroyle]

I see AH64ID's thread is closed so I'll comment here.

Got new Gates T-stat and pump from Geno's to compliment a coolant R&R. Pump on truck is original, this is to prevent a roadside R&R.

Zerex G05 but watch out when you buy it they have straight and 50/50 in same color jugs with a small 50/50 printed on the half n half just keep an eye on what you buy.

Mine has that sorta wonky drain plug with the split nut in bottom of rad. I actually have a new OE one so took a look to remind grey matter how it works and just turned it enough so it stays in the nut but starts draining old.

Bandaid count so far, ONE and haven't put a wrench on it yet.

Stay tuned, I found a full box of Bandaids.