Turbo Deeezle

I am overdue for a cooling system flush and will not be having it done at the dealer this time. I was wondering if I need to tell the shop a certain type of coolant? OR should I just buck up and take it to the dealer? I was wishing to save some money.

Turbo Deeezle

Just called the local dealer and they want $120.

Dave88LX

I was about to ask the same question, I have to replace my radiator today.

I'm sure if I could 'search' I could find the answer.

67HotRod

I was told yes, check your owner manual, I forget which one. Also need to do a ph test to ensure you don't get cavatation. Supposedly need to check every six months. I have added NAPA cool to my chevy 6.5, haven't done my CTD yet. I probably will when I change to a 180 stat.

Cavatation: My ford mech buddy told me they recently had to rebuild a motor for a 03 or 04 mustang, due to cavatation...

Turbo Deeezle

$#@*#^*K!!!!!!!!

Sounds like the dealer may be the only game in town if it involves ph balances and whatnot.

lglamb

Hopefully somebody that knows what they're talking about will
show up soon, but in the meantime here's what I've heard...

The cavitation issue is more with engines using cylinder liners.
The Cummins doesn't use liners so cavitation is not "as much"
of a concern. I think any of the better anti-freezes would be ok.
You could probably put one of the additive packages in just to
be more on the safe side. (only thing I know about pH is the
stuff I've forgotten from high school)

Now, if one of the experts would just show up....

infidel

You're right, cavitation isn't a problem with our engines.
Use any anti-freeze you want as long as it's low silicate.
You will be hard pressed to find an antifreeze nowadays that isn't low silicate.
Use the long life orange stuff if you don't want to change it again soon or the regular green if every couple of years suits you.

There used to be two plants in the US that made antifreeze, one burned down a few years ago. I highly doubt there is any difference in antifreezes except the name on the jug.

Mopar1973man

Just don't mix the green or the orange together... This will create a problem.

I'd rather use the green myself. Then I know every other year the system is dumped and cleaned. This year I will be pulling the radiator out to give it a good cleaning outside and inside... Also going to flush the block out good...

Turbo Deeezle

Thats what I wanted to hear. Thanks guys!!! I appreciate the 'KNOWLEDGABLE" and experienced feedback........... sick of the uneducated guesses I hear so much on the net.

kandgo

I might add to mix with distilled water when going back with whatever you choose. It helps with the longevity of the heater core. Also you can only add when refilling with the engine running. And take the two heater core hoses loose and back flush the heater core clean and then use some air to flush out all the water out of the heater core. Goodluck,,Rick

Dave88LX

Can you describe what "backflushing" the heater core does? I did a pretty thorough flush today, but didn't backflush the heater core...

Thanks!

kandgo

I do it when I change out the coolant, just take the two heater core lines off and stick a hose to each and it will push out all the coolant and whatever debri in the bottom of the heater core,then apply 10psi or so to one hose and blow all the water out, it is just a little something I do for grins and giggles. I do highly recommend the mixing of the coolant with distilled water to aid in the longevity of the heater core as the heater core replacment is quite a job in itself. Goodluck,,Rick

Mopar1973man

Back flushing is just that... You direct the water backwards though the system to force the garbage back out of the coolant tubes in the radiator and/or heater core. On the raditor you want to put your water in at the bottom for flushing... As for the heater core... I can't remember which hose is the one now...

kandgo has the right idea it will help with blowing the trash out.. But becareful of the air pressure. If you exceed about 15-20 PSI you might do some damage to radiator, heat core or hoses.

Commatoze

....which raises a question. I'm overdue for a change, but am wondering if I should let the dealer do it and let him worry about disposal. Years ago while living in the city, I wouldn't thing twice about letting the old coolant run down the druveway and into the gutter, followed by a thorough washdown into the drain. But now living up here in the woods with pristine ponds, lots of wildlife, and no sewers. I'm real hesitant. What would you guys suggest?

smokindog

Commatoze,

just find yourself a plastic 55 gallon drum, cut it in thirds and use the top and bottom to capture your waste. If you want to be silly you can use the center ring for a hula hoop After you've done the job you should be able to find a shop somewhere back in town that will properly dispose of the juice.