ok guys, got a few questions for ya. i tried to search but it doesnt seem to wanna work for me so here i am. decided with winter almost here i am going to flush the radiator and change the t-stat. can anyone help me with the procedure for doing so. i know that i will have to remove/loosen the alt and bracket. how many gallons of anti-freeze do i need and what kind do you guys recommend. if you can provide a link to the diy that would work as well.(sorry, like i said i cant find anything with the search function)

 

I didn't take off the alternator bracket and I got it in there fine, as far as coolant replacement I honestly don't know, I had to run and pick up my sister so my dad did it for me.

 

At the top of the 2nd gen page (stickys) check out the DIY link and go down to #26 stat change.
Personally, to flush, I use one of those Prestone flush kits for around $5. I swear by it. Many here have had problems burping their engines after a flush and putting their nose up on a hill or whatever other voo doo. I've never had a problem and get a complete flush. Depending on how long its been you might want to use some flush additive 1st.
No preference here on a brand of anti-freeze. I use Wal-marts own. You could go with one of the long distance formulas, but, why? Again, never had a problem and I tow a 5000# trailer in FL in the summer. 1 gal. should do mixed with another gal of water.
WC

 

what about the pre mixed, just get two gallons in that case?

i checked that diy link, this is on a 98 with the 360 and it seems to me that the t-stat is hidden down behind the alternator on the top of the motor

 

The standard Dodge Ram is a 20 quart system or 5 gallons.You probably won't get all that into it, but you should try to get out as much as possible. There is a draincock at the bottom of the radiator driver's side and there are also two drain plugs one the engine block ath the bottom on the driver and passenger side.

I just drain as much as I can, remove the upper return hose from the radiator and stuff a hose down there and run the engine a bit until it runs clear. Then I reconnect the hose and put the prestone flush product init. Run the engine, pull the top hose, rinse,then drain everything. Then put either premix or full-on green stuff with distilled water (to helpkeep out the sludge). Turn the heater on max to make sure you push it thru the heater core and burp out the system. It might take 5 mins to get all the air out.

 

The pre-mix stuff costs the same as pure anti-freeze does. So... I just buy the pure AF. I prefer to run about 70/30 mix anyway - so I mix my own...

Cartman

 

Here is another link with good pictures.....
http://www.pavementsucks.com/tech/tstat.php

 

I dont think you need to pull anything except the support bracket that goes to the intake manifold. with some wiggling you can get the t-stat housing off. your best bet is to cut off the "front" tag that the housing has. this will make it alot easier to get it back in and out if you ever yank it again.

 

So if you DIY anti-freeze and T-stats what do you do with the old anti-freeze? Here is an excerpt from the EPA site:

"Antifreeze is toxic to humans and animals. Waste antifreeze contains heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium in high enough levels to potentially make it a regulated hazardous waste, so most states strictly regulate antifreeze disposal. Antifreeze generators and state and local programs should not dump spent antifreeze on land or discharge it into a sanitary sewer, storm drain, ditch, dry well, or septic system; dumping antifreeze can cause serious water quality problems and might harm people, pets, or wildlife.
Antifreeze is toxic to humans and animals. Waste antifreeze contains heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and chromium in high enough levels to potentially make it a regulated hazardous waste, so most states strictly regulate antifreeze disposal. Antifreeze generators and state and local programs should not dump spent antifreeze on land or discharge it into a sanitary sewer, storm drain, ditch, dry well, or septic system; dumping antifreeze can cause serious water quality problems and might harm people, pets, or wildlife."

Just curious as years ago I used to do my own too until I killed my neighbors dog when he drank the old anti-freeze out of the gutter (it has a sweet taste to animals). Wish I had known at the time how toxic it was.

 

I found a local shop (radiator shop of all places)that would allow me to bring in my used fluid for proper disposal. They ended up letting me dump it for free... which was really nice. I guess they were just glad that somebody was responsible enough to capture fluids that they didn't charge me.

Cartman