2001 Durango Engine Coolant Question

[KARNY]

I have 45000 miles on my D. I need to replace the engine coolant.

Should I just drain it by opening the drain plug on the radiator, and then refill with new coolant, or is there is another recommended way of doing this job?

Also, should I add the new coolant as a 50/50 mix with water, or 70/30 coolant/water mix?

It has the green coolant. Can I use prestone green coolant, or should I be using Mopar coolant?

Any other words of wisdom on this topic?

thanks
Karny. :SPIN:

[rockadaous]

there's block drains also. after draining replace all drains and procede to flush. flushing requires you to remove your thermostat and reinstall just the house'n. also remove your upper radiator hose and place a garden hose in the radiator. the top hose will act as a drain. remember to turn your heater on high, so the heater core will be flushed also. 50/50 mix is just that. all ready mixed. hope this helps.

[KARNY]

thanks rock.

my local dealer wants $80.00 for this. I can do it myself. Wondering if it makes sense to have the dealer do it just because of the mess involved, or is it not that messy after all?

any advice?

thanks.

[chamowllie]

Its almost better to have someone do it for you, because of the mess. Dont get caught dumping coolant, BIG FINES involved. But if you want to do it your self, its good to get a deep pan, and proceed to follow Rock's instructions. Have fun!!!

[rockadaous]

I'd spend $80 on mods. it'll take ya about an hour to do. I'm a DIY kinda guy. I don't like giving my money away, but each to there own.... buy yourself a manual if nothing else. that way if you get stuck the book is right there.

[The Who]

In most cases if you do it yourself, just draining isn't going to be enough to get all the old stuff out. Not to mention, it's messy, and it can get you in trouble if you don't dispose of the stuff properly.

The dealer has a machine that hooks up between the top radiator hose and the radiator that pulls the coolant that your engine pumps out as its running, and fills it with new so you have no chance of getting a mix of old and new coolant. $80 isn't a bad price considering Precision tune charges in upward of $100 to do the same task. They also treat and dispose of the lod coolant legally.

If you do it your self, I would maintain the 50/50 mix as too much antifreeze in the water will lower the boiling point.

[smellyknees]

dealerships in So Cal want $165. to flush the coolant system :VHOT:
The drain on the radiator is a biatch to get to AND to turn (unless you have incredibly tiny hands :YO: ) I actually went to a radiator shop and they sold me a NEW radiator for $160. installed PLUS the flushed the coolant :IDEA:

[sgbofav]

Anthony did a write up on his website on how to replace the fluid. http://www.geocities.com/dak2nv/coolant.html

Bill