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Dennis
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2005
15:39:09
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 Subject: Radiator flush question
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I have a 2000 CC 4.7. I have never changed the antifreeze and think it's about time. What is the best way to do it? If I only open the petcock I'm only draining the radiator, right? What about the block? Do I have to remove a plastic cover under the radiator to get to the drain valve? Any help is appreciated.
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davec
Dodge Dakota
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9/12/2005
16:10:08
| RE: Radiator flush question
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My recommendation would be to have it done with a machine at the local service center. The 4.7's are a pain and you won't get it near as good as a machine will. But, if you want to do it yourself...loosen the petcock and take out the block plugs on the side of the engine to drain the block. Be prepared for a mess! Flush it with clean water until you don't see anymore coolant. Tighten everything up and fill with 50/50 mix. Make sure to get all the air out and let that t-stat open before you top off. Then clean up the mess.
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JimmyD
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2005
01:24:48
| RE: Radiator flush question
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Be sure to use distilled water in the new mixture.
Tap water has chemicals that can shorten the life of the antifreeze and cause deposits in that engine.
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davec
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2005
07:59:10
| RE: Radiator flush question
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If you wish to have distilled, go for it. Believe me, if you use clean tap water with a 50/50 mix...you will not have any problems. You will be due for another flush before the chemicals in tap water have any effect. You think the manufacturer uses distilled water? They'll save a hundreth of a cent if they can.
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ObieWonDakota
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2005
08:25:55
| RE: Radiator flush question
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Just a quick question to add to Dennis' request.
When flushing the system, I have always heard you shouldn't use the "flush chemical" mix that is sold at most stores because it cleans it too well and may cause your radiator to leak due to the fact your old coolant has "build up" in it that closes any small holes which may have occurred over time. Any truth to this?
I know Dennis didn't mention this, but I'm just curious.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2005
12:52:34
| RE: Radiator flush question
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Remove the plastic cover and drain theradiator. You should also try and remove the drain plug from the side of the block and drain that, too. But it's often corroded and impossible to remove. If it comes out fairly easily, reat. If not, forget about it.
I always use a system cleaner, Likie Prestone radiator flush. Never had a prblem with leaks developing. Besides, if the cleaning causes a leak, it would start to leak soon anyway. And now is a good time to find it, rather than when you're out in the woods somewhere on a Sunday Morning.
If you can hook a hose to a hot water source, then a prestone flush kit works very well. If you hook it up to cold, the thermostat will stay closed and the flush won't work. Otherwise leave the drain petcock open, run the engine at idle, and slowly pour hot water into the radiator. Eventually it will start coming out clean.
If the water in your are has a lot of sediment, or is pretty hard, you're better off with distilled. In my area tap water is just fine.
Water is a better coolant that antifreeze. For pure cooling efficiency, you would want to use straight distilled water. But that causes rust, has a lower boiling point and a higher freezing point. I generally use a 25% water/25% antifreeze mix, with a surfactant. Winter temps are often around 0 in the AM.
No matter what the temps are, or what the truck is doing, cooling is never a problem.
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2005
16:31:36
| RE: Radiator flush question
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Oops. I meant 25% antifreeze / 75% water mix.
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ObieWonDakota
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2005
17:56:34
| RE: Radiator flush question
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I was wondering where that other 50% was going to come from .bob. good catch before someone decided to "come to your aid" if you know what I mean. lol
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choochoo
Dodge Dakota
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9/13/2005
22:55:22
| RE: Radiator flush question
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CAUTION GUYS!! If you live in southern climates, your mixture will work, but where I live in northern Ontario, Canada I must use a 50 / 50 mix minimum. When I lived further north yet, I ran 65% antifreeze. Even then some nights the antifreeze thickened but did not freeze.
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01Motorsport
Dodge Dakota
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9/14/2005
11:20:43
|  RE: Radiator flush question
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Be sure to change the antifreeze at least every two years, even if you have the Dexcool or orange "extended life/BS" antifreeze. I had the factory crap flushed out, and went back to the old-style Glycol green for my '01, which transfers heat better.
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