How much coolant should I drain?

[CHIRP]

I need to replace bad water pump. How much coolant should I expect to drain before removing bad pump and installing new one? I will drain new Zerex G05 into clean container and refill radiator after new water pump is installed. Maybe I need to expect to drain all the coolant? Thanks

 

[seafish]

Here is a good link for you to read on coolant changes--



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...s-2003-2007/218402-coolant-flush-3rd-gen.html





And remember, the search function on this website is your friend and works really well. So well, in fact, that if you use it there's actually not much reason to start a new thread unless, of course, you have a unique question or situation, in which case, go for it!! Oo. Oo.

 

[CHIRP]

Not doing a coolant change, but that is an excellent post none the less. Still hoping for an answer. Couldn't find an exact answer to my question by searching, but it seems like after searching... everyone is topping off the radiator... how much? My understanding is the water pump sits at the bottom of the block... so I will expect to drain gallons.

Sorry for such a crappy thread.

 

[seafish]

Sorry for such a crappy thread.

Hey no need to be sorry... it's not crappy... I am sorry if I got overeager to push the search function... . some folks just dont know it's there. In any case, I searched again and didn't really find an answer to your question either as to draining below the water pump level, though Post#1 in the link I mentioned says that draining the radiator from the bottom yields 4 to 5 gallons out of the total of 7. 4 gallons...

Probably just drain all you can into a clean 5 gallon bucket, cap it while you do the repair, and then refill with a wide mouth funnel. Good Luck!

 

[CDonaldson]

When I installed my OPIE bypass, I just drained the radiator down filling a clean 5gal bucket and put a lid on it. Might have been overkill but it only takes a min or two to dump the bucket back in, re-pressurized the system driving a few miles, then topped off via the overflow. I had no antifreeze in the upper radiator hose, it was a nice and clean antifreeze less job.





CD

 

[CHIRP]

Thanks all... that helps!. . I'm going to do the job tomorrow AM.

 

[Prairie Dog]

So did the bearing go bad on your pump? If so then how many miles were on it?

My mechanic buddy just replaced the pump on an 05 with only 60K on it. I'm getting a little nervouse since mine just turned over 70K. .

 

[CHIRP]

I just had my pump replaced in March after 100K. It was spraying coolant upon start up. The new one just started to leak from the weep hole. My buddy usually does the work, but he's busy fixing other cars/trucks for money and couldn't help me with mine... so I did it myself. Much credit goes to TDR mag and forum for step by step instructions.

Using a 1/2" drive wrench on the tensioner pulley assembly, from under the truck, pulling it to the drivers side and securing it with a with a bungie to hold it in place is the key to this one man job. Once that step is complete, then you can go up top, reach in and push the serpentine belt off the water pump, move the belt out of the way and start the water pump removal/replace procedure. Took me little over three hours to complete the entire job. I didn't think it was easy although many do. Before starting anything, I drained 5 gallons of coolant into a bucket, then put it back in the radiator when the job was complete. Replaced thermostat too.

 

[CHIRP]

Trying to save $$$ I put an auto-zone thermostat in. Unloaded, my truck temp was now where it normally is when I'm towing 8k lbs. after installing the cheap t-stat. Not okay. I purchased a $70. 00 Cummins t-stat, took the Auto-Zone 30. 00 t-stat out and installed the Cummins t-stat. Now temps are normal, even a little cooler (114k on the old t-stat). There's some learn'n going on right now!

 

[seafish]

Yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way in 1980 or so when I thought that I was being smart by buying a Kragen Auto water pump that came with a lifetime warranty for my 68 Plymouth. Back then , I was just learning how to wrench on my own, so it was a big deal for me, and since I was in college, saving money was important. Long story short is that the new waterpump came with a bad bearing RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX, but of course I didn't catch it until after the install. Rght then and there I realized that I wasn't saving anything by using cheaper parts, even if they came with a lifetime warranty, cause I still had to do all the work over again... #@$%! :-laf It was, in hindsioght, a very useful lesson that "only" cost me the 3 hours of time it took do do it all over again.