Replacing Coolant

[Craig59]

I have a 99 Dakota and I plan to flush the cooling system and replace the coolant. I'm wondering if I need to use a raidator flush product (such as Prestone Super Flush) or is it OK to just back flush the system and put n new coolant? Since I've had this truck I've flushed the system and replaced coolant regularly and the cooling system appears very clean.

Thanks for any advice.

[Dakota00]

No need to flush, just drain the rad and block put new coolant in and the way you go!!

[Craig59]

Thanks for the info.

[Craig59]

Another question.

I replaced coolant in my Dakota today. I tried to drain the block but couldn't because the drain plugs would not budge. So I decided to backflush the system to get the old coolant out of the block. This worked fine, but when finished I realized I neglected to do something. I did not run the engine and turn on the heater during backflushing to clean out the heater coil. Should I do this over or just let it go?

[Dakota00]

You should be fine, seeing as you take good care of your coolant system!!! Make sure to always mix distilled water with your coolant.

I had the same problem with the drain plugs on my Dak. What I did was drain the rad, then filled the rad with distilled water. Then ran the truck for 1-2min and drain the rad again. I did this 2-3 times until the water was clear. Then I added the coolant to the rad, then ran the truck to mix it up. Then add more coolant, until I got almost 60/40 mixture.

Anthony

[Craig59]

Thanks again Anthony. I guess I can let it go for a year or two.

[mikec041]

The block plug and radiator drain petcock on wifes jeep at both stuck so what i do is drain system using lower radiator hose then replace hose leaving clamp off fill system with clear water run engine hot then while engine is off remove lower hose and drain. Do this 2-3 times and the system is clean. Use a piece of 2x4 to knock hose off so you don't get burned also leave radiator cap on when draining something about it forms a suction and gets a better drain.

[Craig59]

Thanks for the suggestion Mike.

Since I did not get all of the old coolant out, would it be good to add an antifreeze treatment to give some protection until my next change? The ones I am thinking of are Prestone Cooling System/Antifreeze Treatment or maybe Prestone Super Antirust.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[Dakota00]

Craig,

Don't worry about it!!! As long as you didn't see any rust or deposits in the coolant when you drained it, your fine!!!

Personally I would stay away from these flushing and treatment products. But if it will make you sleep better at night, go for it...

Most important is that you test the coolant freeze point with a tester.

[mikec041]

Craig I'm with Dakota00 don't use any type of anti rust or water pump lubricant just 50/50 coolant. The little old A/F left in system won't hurt.

[Craig59]

Thanks for the advice. I’ll leave well enough alone. But just to satisfy my curiosity, why do you recommend against antifreeze treatments, anti rust additives, water pump lubricants, etc.?

Bill

[mikec041]

Craig
From the articles I've read "modern" coolant/anti freezes are formulated so separate anti rust and lubricant additives are not needed. Also some people reported that their water pumps failed and started leaking after adding pump lubricant, may be coincidence but then again who knows.

[Craig59]

Thanks mike. I'll keep that in mind.