Well after tracking down a noise in front of my engine I discovered my truck's water pump is leaking.
The truck has 102k miles on it so I figured it might be a good time to service and replace things on the rest of the cooling system.
So tomorrow I start buying parts.
I plan to buy a new(not reman.) water pump.
I also figure I'll buy all new hoses and a thermostat.

I'm wondering if the store bought 190 degree thermostats are any good or should I go to the dodge dealership?, I don't have a local Cummins dealer.

Also, I assume there is a drain valve at the bottom of the radiator, if I drain it there how many gallons of coolant will I need to refill?
Any other tips or suggestions?

Thanks.

 

Wouldn't warranty cover it, Thought there was a 100k warranty after the 36/3 year thing.

 

My truck has 102k miles on it, no more warranty.

 

Dealership would be a good spot, or the only one to get parts. Thermostat was $25 from Cummins, expensive I know. The entire coolant system is 7 gal, HOAT coolant only. I'd drain the block, and fill the system w/ distilled water and a coolant system flush.

 

If you dont have a Cummins dealer near by, Cummins will ship parts to you.
A Cummins H20 pump is around $100.00.
T-stat is about $25.00.
You can probably get hoses through Cummins also.
Cummins shipped a vacuum pump to my front door for about $120.00 w/ shipping.

You might also look at tractor dealerships (Case, MF) or truck repair shops.
Some of them could be a Cummins authorized part/repair shop.
Go to the Cummins site www.cummins.com to look for parts.

 

I don't think using any kind of flush in a truck as new as yours is a good idea.
The chemicals in the coolant system flush kits are a sure way to ruin H20 pumps, oil coolers, radiators, etc....

If you do need to clean the coolant system of hard water deposits, try some Calgon water softener.
I've used Calgon for 30 years in machines that are running hot due to plugged radiator tubes.
Calgon will slowly break up the hard water deposits that plug up the radiator core.
There are no chemicals in Calgon which can hurt the o rings, seals, or the radiator core itself.
Pour a full bottle onto the radiator, run the truck for a few days....even a few weeks will be ok.
Then drain the system and flush all of the crud out.
When you refill with coolant, use only HOAT (orange) coolant.
It comes pre-mixed...dont dilute it with H20

While you might think that the Calgon thing is a bunch oh bull,
those of us "old School" mechanics know better.
Sure a parts guy is going to try to sell you a flush kit...its his job.
He'll also sell you the rest of the parts when you start finding new leaks.

 

Thanks for the responses.

My local Advanced Auto has NEW water pumps, thermostats, Gates and Goodyear hoses and serpentine belts. I'm not sure about the quality of their thermostats?
I'm planning on using Zerex HOAT coolant.

 

I would stay with the Cummins Tstat and Pump if I were you.....

 

I replaced my water pump last year. The dealer wanted an arm and a leg for the pump. I bought one from Autozone for around $40. The part was new and manufactured in USA (Canton ,Ohio). The original was made in England. Once the radiator is drained, removal and installation of the pump was a snap, two bolts. The pump also has a lifetime warranty on it.