2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Detailed Instructions - Coolant Flushing

[CBlack]

I've seen instructions on flushing the cooling system, but they were not too detailed.



Does anyone have any really detailed instructions for doing this? I'm about to change out my heater core and would like to flush the coolant as well.



Any info would be much appreciated.



Thanks.

 

[FDavid]

Diesel Antifreeze Replacement



cooling 1994-2002 Ram Truck TSB index

 

[CBlack]

Thanks.

The first link I have seen before, but I can't seem to find the drain valve that is shown. Where exactly is it? I'm sure I've looked right at it and didn't realize it.

 

[Bob Cochran]

I took of bottom radiator hose rather than use the drain valve. Lot of people have broken it(or could not get it open) and needed to replace or the O-ring sometimes. Of course I was planning on changing the upper and lower radiator hose anyway. Yea you will get an armpit full of antifreeze before you can get a bucket under it. That is part of working on our trucks right????

 

[SRath]

I always installed brass petcocks in place of the block drain plugs on my Chevy gas motors. Made complete flushes and changes easy. But I cannot find any way to effectively drain the cummins. . ?

 

[CBlack]

I think the bottom radiator hose sounds like a good idea. Last thing I want is to mess up orings or valves.



Thanks for the input from everyone.

 

[SRath]

Do you trust these guys?

Here's a really good article by Robert Patton about antifreeze and what your Cummins needs taken from an obscure publication called "Turbo Diesel Register" along with a couple product-specific links:

TDR TECH: Antifreeze for Your Dodge Diesel Truck

Fleet Charge Antifreeze

AMSOIL - Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT)

What should you use?

"Chrysler specification MSS-9769, HOAT coolant which is backward compatible to all years of the Turbo Diesel. That's right, use the yellow stuff after you drain the green stuff. And, thankfully we do not have to be concerned with cavitation erosion. "

 

[GAmes]

I siphon mine out with a length of 3/8 id hose. Makes it a lot easier to avoid a mess and you get more of the old coolant out.

 

[SRath]

Few things are as nasty as death from ethelyne glycol, and it doesn't take much to shut down and damage vital organs like kidneys, so be careful how you get that siphon started.

 

[GAmes]

Starting a siphon is easy. The key is to have hose with plenty of length. Submerge as much as possible, cover the end with your thumb then pull it out and put the end of the hose below the liquid level as far as possible. Remove your thumb. Piece of cake.

 

[Skydiver]

Worked at a water treatment plant for nearly 30 years. One thing I see people neglect is adding hard water to a radiator or battery. Just as you know you can dissolve a tablespoon of sugar in a cup of water. You can no longer see the sugar, but you know it is in there. There is calcium in drinking water that you can not see. This calcuim will come out of solution and leave deposits every where. Use disstilled water unless you know you have soft tap water.

We have a very soft drinking water. When I flush the cooling system I will fill and drain it 5 or 6 times. Each time allowing the engine to come up to operating temp. On the last drain I will use a clear glass to catch a sample of the flush water. Just hold it up to a light. You will be suprised at what you will see.

 

[EricBu12]

Don't have to worry about my 09 coolant as it has a special hybrid organic coolant that should last 5 years.

Anybody know what that stuff costs per gallon at the dealer?