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23:05:48 - 12/19/2024
V6 Dakotas
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MattNC
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2004
12:15:05
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 Subject: Radiator Flush
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Message:
I have a '98 v6 3.9 with 52K. I have noticed some sludge starting to form on the radiator cap and thought that it was about to do a coolant flush. Am i correct? If so, what all do i need to do to flush it? i know that there are plugs in the block (4 i think, in the corners). To completely flush it do i need to remove these plugs and is that recommended? I can't use the same plugs (screws) can i? I heard that you can't. I know that you use half coolant and half water. Going to put new hoses on, there are only 2 correct for a 98? and a new radiator cap. Anyhting im missing? Any corrections or suggestions? I know many of you use a 180 thermostat, how hard is that to put on and where did you get them? One question on those. The water does the work to keep it cooler, so how does a 180 t-stat help by just opening earlier?Thanks is advance.
Matt
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BDak
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2004
13:32:25
| RE: Radiator Flush
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Message:
Question on your coolant sludge? You didn't have an extended life coolant like Dex-Cool. Reason I ask is my other vehicle is a GM and came with it and I am already seeing major sludge build up. I have researched it and it is very common with the extended life coolant, as soon as I am out of warranty I plan on getting it professionally flushed and changed, at most good radiator places it isn't too bad and I hope to get rid of that sludge with the power flush. I know a guy at the radiator place I go to (Michigan) says he wouldn't leave coolant in longer than two years or so, and he says to cut the extended life coolant life in half, as many of the additives break down with time. In the past I always added a can of Prestone or other radiator and water punp treatment which contains additional additives to beef up your coolant just before winter, if I haven't changed.
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MattNC
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2004
13:48:27
| RE: Radiator Flush
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Im not sure if it is an extended life coolant. I got my truck last summer (june). It came from Pennsylvania and is now down here in North Carolina, where it does get hot in the summer. To my knowledge that is the original coolant. If I can do my own flush i will, im not into paying someone $120+ to do something that i can do at a fraction of the price. just trying to do preventative maintainance. I know if i take it to the Dodge Dealer near my house they will chagre me me about $140. They told me that you should not leave the original coolant in it long because when the engine block is made (in sand) not all the sand leaves the block which helps to creat that sludge. I don't believe that necessarly, because the same guy told me that to do a good flush you had to pull the block and take the freeze plugs out also. Haven't had good luck with that dealer. But never the less. Any help here?
Matt
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BDak
Dodge Dakota
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4/06/2004
13:55:13
| RE: Radiator Flush
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$140!!! Ouch. I usually flush and change my own as well but with the sludge issue I have I'll pay for the power flush. However a local radiator shop only charges $50 for the power flush and new coolant, I would never take my vehicle to the dealer for something like this, for the first time with your sludge issues check for a local radiator shop or a garage with power flush equipment, should be much more reasonable. If you still reallywant to flush your own, go online and do a couple of searches on flushing your radiator, there are a lot of easy step by step, even some with diagrams out there on the net.
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