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Monica
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2008
20:07:47

Subject: Special Engine Coolant?
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My hubby and I have a 3.9L 2001 Sport, 2WD, and *curses at firestone* have discovered that our Engine Coolant is bone dry, even though all of our fluid levels were supposedly full before our 1,400 mile trip. The yellow cap says, "Special coolant required; see owner's manual". But, first off, we lost the owner's manual and, secondly, the owner's manual is for the automatic transmission, not the manual transmission, so I have no idea if half the information in the thing is correct or not. Does anyone know what's so special about the engine coolant we need to put in? I don't want to run it much longer with no coolant . . .



Rick
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2008
21:17:07

RE: Special Engine Coolant?
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I wouldn't run it a mile with no coolant!
You have a leak somewhere.



Monica
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2008
21:21:03

RE: Special Engine Coolant?
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Well, we're short on cash and unable to pay for a repair at the moment (until the 15th), so I need to know what kind of coolant I can put in it in the meantime until I can have the system checked for leaks, etc. Also, no diagnostic code is popping up for a coolant leak; is one supposed to?



Rick
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2008
21:32:34

RE: Special Engine Coolant?
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Well, if you are in a part of the world that isn't below freezing, then water would do for now. If it is below freezing, then antifreeze is a must. Don't drive with no coolant, or you will need big bucks to repair.



daddio
Dodge Dakota
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12/31/2008
09:00:28

RE: Special Engine Coolant?
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as Rick stated, in an emergency and not below freezing, water will suffice. if you wish, there are coolants made that can be mixed with other/ different types of coolants with no harm. your parts store personnel should be able to get you the correct fluid.



modain
GenIII
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1/05/2009
17:38:12

RE: Special Engine Coolant?
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The special coolant is an ethylene-glycol base with HOAT specifications (usually orange or red) sold at the dealer for too much money. I used Valvoline Zerex G-05 coolant, which is 100% compatible ($12/gallon).

Do not use DexCool, as it is for GM vehicles and will not be the right stuff for your truck. Do not put in green coolant without flushing *all* the HOAT stuff out first - they don't mix well. Whatever you use make sure it doesn't have any phosphates in it...

What's your left foot doing?
==============
2002 Graphite QC SLT Plus, 4.7L, NV3500, Superchips 3715, 3.92 LSD, R/T rear swaybar, no chrome, loads o'fun...
2001 Patriot Blue Durango SLT, 4.7L, 45RFE, Superchips 3715, 3.55 Open (for now)
1999 Forest Green Dakota RC Sport, 2.5L, NV1500, 3.55 Open



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