Truck radiator flush questions

[thatguy]

Does this seem like a decent plan.. Which is a hybrid of a bunch of posts if found online

1) drain all i can by using the petcock and by removing both hoses..
2) remove the thermostat and pour distilled water into the engine block until full
3) reinstall the NEW upper hose to the engine only - reinstall NEW lower hose completely
4) fill radiator with distilled water
5) run engine while while keeping the radiator full and catch the over flow from the upper hose until clear water comes out.
6) redrain radiator
7) Add 3 gallons of pure antifreeze (total system take about 6 gallons) so this should give me a 50/50 mix
8) top off radiator and engine block with distilled water
9)re-install NEW thermostat and attach upper hose
10) clean out overflow bottle and fill with 50/50 mix as needed
11) check protection with one of the bulb testers

As far as the 'cleaners' I read a lot of post talking about how they are not good.. They just knock the junk loose in the radiator and it gets caught in the heater core and other areas..


thanks
brian

 

[kenmac]

My 07 owners manual calls for HOAT antifreeze with a distilled water mix. not tap water

 

[QRTRHRS]

I would add some DCHL additive (did I get that right) if it was mine. If you are worried about your water, you can buy 50/50 blended antifreeze with DCHL already mixed in with it. Danged if I can remember the brand. I used to pick it up at a tractor dealer but you can find it at truck parts places as well.

I never liked those clamps myself but always having too many vehicles and equipment around keeps me budget minded. MY 97' Dodge still had them on when I sold it at 228k.

 

[dmccarty]

There are ELC(Extended Life Coolants) you can use as well. My 2002 Ford's coolant was rated to last five years. When I replaced it at five years the test strip said it was still good. But it was on the low side and needed to be replaced.

I did some research and JD sells the same type of coolant just a different color. So the JD coolant is in the Ford.

The book says to change every three years after the first five years.

Hmmm. Getting close to three years...... Better go check my log books on when I changed the coolant.

Later,
Dan

 

[thatguy]

I would add some DCHL additive (did I get that right) if it was mine. If you are worried about your water, you can buy 50/50 blended antifreeze with DCHL already mixed in with it. Danged if I can remember the brand. I used to pick it up at a tractor dealer but you can find it at truck parts places as well.

I never liked those clamps myself but always having too many vehicles and equipment around keeps me budget minded. MY 97' Dodge still had them on when I sold it at 228k.

Are the DCHL and SCA antifreeze additives the same thing? Google didnt turn up what DCHL additives are..

From everything I read the SCA (supplemental coolant additives) are not needed with the 24V- ISB cummins. Just 50/50 low silicate antifreeze

Cummins Southern Plains - ISB Engine RV Maintenance & Operation

thanks for all the help/advise

brian

 

[QRTRHRS]

Are the DCHL and SCA antifreeze additives the same thing? Google didnt turn up what DCHL additives are..

From everything I read the SCA (supplemental coolant additives) are not needed with the 24V- ISB cummins. Just 50/50 low silicate antifreeze

Cummins Southern Plains - ISB Engine RV Maintenance & Operation

thanks for all the help/advise

brian

Pretty much I guess. I was looking for one of my old jugs that I recall having the "DCHL" in it. I don't recall if that was someting brand specific or if the formulation was changed for enviromental purposes or something. I know that Fleetguard uses something they call DCA4.

Do a search on diesel cavitation. At the pickup truck level, that was more of a Ford 6.9-7.3 issue but can happen in most any diesel. Though a different use, a lot of fleet owners will "spike" truck cooling systems with the additives rather than flushing the system as often in order to economize.

I had used Fleetguard and some other brands in my 12V Cummins as well as my other diesels. What I would do is consult the owners manual if still under warrenty. You mentioned that you did some reading? Was that on the Dodge Cummins forums? Lots of good info out there.