Cooling System - Draining and Filling

WARNING: Do not remove hose clamps or hoses, cylinder block drain plugs, coolant bottle cap, or open the radiator draincock, when the system is hot and under pressure because serious burns from the coolant can occur.

NOTE: When servicing the cooling system, it is essential that coolant does not drip onto the accessory drive belt and/or pulleys. Shield the belt with shop towels before working on the cooling system. If coolant contacts the belt or pulley, flush both with clean water.





DRAINING
1. Open radiator drain located at the lower right side of radiator. Drain takes place through the lower isolator. Do Not Use pliers to open draincock.
2. Remove coolant pressure bottle cap and open the thermostat bleed valve.
3. Remove the cylinder block drain plug(s) located behind each exhaust manifold.

CAUTION:
- The cooling system normally operates at 97 - 124 kPa (14 - 18 psi) pressure. Exceeding this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.

- Do not use well water, or suspected water supply in cooling system. A 50/50 ethylene glycol and distilled water mix is recommended.

FILLING
1. Close radiator drain. Hand tighten only.
2. Install the cylinder block drain plugs.

WARNING: When installing drain hose to air bleed valve on thermostat housing, route hose away from accessory drive belt, accessory drive pulleys, and electric cooling fan motors.





3. Attach one end of a 6.35 mm (0.250 inch) ID clear hose that is approximately 1200 mm (48 inch) long, to the bleed valve in the thermostat. Route the hose away from the accessory drive belt, drive pulleys and electric cooling fan. Place the other end of hose into a clean container. The hose will prevent coolant from contacting the accessory drive belt when bleeding the system during the refilling operation.
4. Open bleed valve.





5. Slowly fill coolant pressure bottle until a steady stream of coolant flows from hose attached to the bleed valve.
6. Gently squeeze upper radiator hose until all air is removed from system.
7. Close bleed valve and continue filling to the top of the coolant bottle.
8. Install cap on coolant pressure bottle.
9. Remove hose from bleed valve.

NOTE: Mopar Antifreeze or a ethylene glycol base antifreeze with a silicate inhibitor or their equivalent are recommended for best engine cooling without corrosion.