I was reading the Haynes book on changing theanti freeze in my 04 4.7, and they say to take two engine block drain plugs outto totally drain cooling system. There is one on each side. Is this really necessary ? I was planning to change the thermostat anyway, and with it being in the lower radiator hose, shouldn't that drain the system down enough without removing these plugs ? Also, all over the owners manual it warnsthat you have to use this HOAT coolant or the radiator or worse will plug up. I tried two different parts stores, and they did not have this HOAT antifreeze. Is it a dealer only item ? Does anyone know a source to get it other than the dealer. Lastly, any advise on doing the change. I've done many antifreeze changes before, but this my first on a
Chrysler product. Some of the newer vehicles have major air in systemsproblems when changing coolant. The leaving the radiator cap off while the air works itself out doesn't work all the time. I appreciate any feedback/ advice. Thanks

 

Any parts store should carry it.Hoat is talked about several times, its in the archives, https://dodgeforum.com/searchpro.asp...mitbutton=+OK+

They talked about this awhile back, here is one specifically on the dakota, https://dodgeforum.com/m_425622/tm.htm

 

i got one of those prestone backflush kits and put that in. followed the directions and put in a jug of coolant with tap water to top it off...that works fine for me and havent had any problems.the whole thing cost me about 10 bucks.i think the manuals make too much of all that and i really dont think using special this or that is really necessary.

 

Found the HOAT coolant of all places, "Walmart". Zerex GO5. We went shopping and I just decided to check they're automotive section while we were there. I stopped at Advance auto parts and got a thermostat. The two bolts that hold the thermostat housing on were trashed, "the guy at Advanced warned me", so I tookone to a harware store and they had stainless replacements. Everything turned out well, no over heating. I was checking the stickers for touch up paint codes, and noticed the date of manufacture. I have under 38,000 miles on the truck, and it won't be five years old until May 2009, so I guess my antifreeze change was premature since the HOAT stuff is good for 5yrs/100,000 miles.

 

and how much did you spend on all that? there isNO way a coolant system should go 5 years or 100k miles without being flushed or at least changed no matter what type of coolantyou are using. my previous post explains what i did and it works, have done it in other cars and now this one and i flush mine myself once a year.cooling system flushes around here cost about $70 and i did the same thing for $10 and my only cost from here on outis a jug of coolant. its funny how muchmoney people wastebecause of one opinion or because they have to go "by the book"

 

Curious, why did you change the theromostat? PM, or was it going bad??

I myself was on the hunt for the "HOAT" stuff too. Igot my Zerex G05 atFrank's Auto Supermarket.

 

prestone works great too... HOAT is a HOOT lol

 

people have said that it helps horsepower to change a thermostat...i changed mine from the stock 195 to a 180 and didnt notice any power gains, but my truck did stop pinging under hard acceleration...there are links on here for benefits to putting in a 180 degree themostat

 

You're right Scandal669, for what it costs to do it yourself, it wouldn't hurt to change the coolant more often. I was going by the owners manual saying it was 5yr/100,000 miles. 04crewcabsport, I just changed the thermostat with the same as the factory, as I figured for what it cost, I might as well do it while I had the system drained down. I usually change the PCV valve every other oil change also due to posts I've read about the 4.7 sludge problem, and many recommend changing it. Again, the PCV valve is relatively cheap, and easy to change. I am toldfrom many that I am wasting money using full synthetic lubricants also, but being04 was the last yearfor this body style, and I do not care for the new body style, I hope to get quite a few more years out of the truck. Everyone has their personal preferences.

 

i definitaly agree on the full synthetics with you got them in mine. I do need to do the system flush though. How hard is it to burp the system and what not to make sure there aren't any air pockets thats my main concern and the reason i haven't done it yet.