I just got a 98 durango with the 5.9 and I have replaced the heater core and thermostat about a week ago...this morning while driving home the new thermostat was stuck shut and it was over heating on me..I have never had a coolant flush done on a vehical and was wondering if this would be a good Idea or not...The motor only has 113k and there was some chunks of rust that came out of the old heater core...I guess what i am looking for here is the pros and cons of doing this flush and what the chances are of the water pump, radiator, or one of the water jackets leaking after i was to have this done..I have looked at differnt internet sites and such trying to research this and not really seeing any pros and cons..so i thought the next best thing is to ask the dodge people what types of issues you have had after doing a flush
Thanks for any and all advice

 

What did the fluids look like when you replaced the heater core and themostat? if it was dirty, you may have to be carfeful. As a good flushing can cause leaks. If you plan on flushing, plan on monitoring water pump and radiator for leaks.

 

Amen to the leaks. Flushed a 318 years ago and almost immediately got a leak from the water pump shaft. Some of muck stays packed in around seals. When you do a flush, it dissolves this muck and the system pressure can now cause the coolant to burst through a weak spot.

 

The fluid was a little dirty didn't look real bad but there was a lot of rust in the old core.....I think what i am going to do is just change all the coolant maybe just use a hose and flush out what i can that way i shouldn't have to worry about leaks as much....can anyone tell me what the total gallons is in the coolant system??? I have read that there should be at least 5 gal of coolant....so that means total should be 10 gallons water and coolant right???