So I did a radiator flush and and changed the thermostat on my 2003 Dakota with a 4.7L engine. The manual says it should take 17 qts of coolant but after adding about 8.5 qts both it is full up to the top both on the overflow tank and on the radiator cap that is on the upper rad hose. I ran the truck after for a while and later drove to work and everything ran fine and the temperature maintained in the middle on the gauge (it was 29 degrees Celsius here today). Later when I checked the levels they were both still full. Am I missing something or why is it only taking 8.5 qts when it should have a capacity of 17 qts according to the manual? Thoughts?

 

Because you can never completely drain the block.... unless you pull the drain plugs at the bottom of it. Still a fair bit of coolant in there when it stops coming out on its own. Get the correct hydrometer, and verify that your coolant will protect you to the correct temp.

 

Pulling off the lower radiator hose drains the block. You drain with the rear end raised. You fill and bleed with the front end raised. You can measure what you drain in comparison to what u add. Unless you were low on coolant, should be roughly the same.