i am going to flush the cooling system soon ('99 Ram QC 4x4) and had some questions. First, what is the technique that you use, i have heard a number of them over the years. I would also like to drain the block, where is the plug for that on the Ram's. Also, when i am done and fill the radiator with water, when i do the 50/50 mix, can i just buy the premixed antifreeze that already has the 50/50 mix?

Thanks

 

50/50's are good... they don't let you mix it obviously, but if you really want to you can add other antifreeze or more water if it's cooling too much too little. first things first.. LET THE ENGINE COOL!!! don't do anything for a couple hours after running the engine. also get a haynes manual for like 15 bucks at napa or god forbid autozone. they go through the fluids fairly well. or will at least give you some ideas to try.

 

On the V8 there is a pipe plug on each side near the motor mount that is the drain plug. I replace them with a petcock so it's easier next time.[sm=americanasmiley.gif]

 

I pull the lower hose, drain it, fill it with tap water and warm it back up. I do this a couple of times until the water is coming out clean, then use a radiator flush on it (follow instructions). and repeat a until it comes out clean again.

 

I do it rather simple [&:] Pull the lower hose off the rad. and motor, let them drain a bit, then since 1/2 the works already done just replace your thermo and gaskey for usually less then $5. Once the thermo housing is off and the lower house isn't attached just get a hose and run water through it until the water comes out clear, same with the rad. Also the premixxed 50/50 stuff sucks [&:] At auto parts stores you can usually still get straight up Etholyn Glycol. Thats the way to go in my opinion, poor the whole thing in, then fill it with water and poor that all in. Then you can take 1/2 of another container and poor it in the empty one, top them both off with water and now you have 2 mixed 50/50. Thats the way I do it...