Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) How do you drain the coolant?? 180 thermostat?

[kbond]

I am trying to change out my coolant but I can't figure out how to drain the radiator. I know I must just be missing it.



Can someone tell me the trick?



Also, went to cummins west today to get a 180 thermostat and they told we there wasn't such a thing and only the 190. Anyone have a part number of the 180?



Thanks,

Ken

 

[rbagley]

3954194 is the Cummins part number for their 180° t-stat for my 98. 5 24 valve. Dodge told me the same thing that Cummins told you, then they handed me the above part number with 180° stamped on it in a Cummins box.



The drain petcock is on the bottom of the radiator (d'oh) on the drivers side corner if memory serves me correctly. You will need to unscrew and pull out at the same time.

 

[kbond]

Originally posted by rbagley

3954194 is the Cummins part number for their 180° t-stat for my 98. 5 24 valve. Dodge told me the same thing that Cummins told you, then they handed me the above part number with 180° stamped on it in a Cummins box.



The drain petcock is on the bottom of the radiator (d'oh) on the drivers side corner if memory serves me correctly. You will need to unscrew and pull out at the same time.

Ah... Thanks for the quick reply.



-Ken

 

[lkuykendall]

I bought one on 9/16/2003 and I believe the part number has changed. Cummins South Plains gave me the new part # 3967195 ($16. 88). It is 180 degree and I put it in my 2001 the following weekend.



Len

 

[CumminsPuller]

I bought one at Dodge yesterday (Cummins did not stock them) anyway when the gal at the counter brought it out I opened it up and it was an 180 degree thermostat. When I pulled the old one out of the truck it was also 180 degree. Chaged the grren stuff to red stuff and she seems to run a bit cooler now when puttering around town.



Jason

 

[B9Mile]

Here is some info from Dave Fritz's site for coolant changing.

http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/cooling-sys/antifreeze.htm



Sometimes the O-ring on the petcock will go bad. If you have a persistant drip after you close it, that's most likely what it is.



Before you drain the coolant, put a piece of Tygon or plastic tubing on the petcock's nipple to direct the coolant into a gallon jug. Then it will already be in your protable containers, and you won't have it splashing all over everything underneath the truck.