Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual page 293

B R
COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 1
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
( C o n t i n u e d )
ENGINE BLOCK HEATERS
An optional engine block heater is available on all
models. The heater is equipped with a power cord.
The cord is attached to an engine compartment com­
ponent with tie-straps. The heater warms the engine
providing easier engine starting and faster warm-up
in low temperatures. The heater is mounted i n a core
hole of the engine cylinder block (In place of a freeze
plug) with the heating element immersed i n engine
coolant. Connect the power cord to a grounded 110-
120 volt AC electrical outlet with a grounded three
wire extension cord.
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE ENGINE UNLESS
BLOCK HEATER CORD HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED
FROM POWER SOURCE AND SECURED IN PLACE.
THE POWER CORD MUST BE SECURED IN ITS
RETAINING CLIPS AND ROUTED AWAY FROM
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS AND MOVING PARTS.
The 3.9L/5.2L/5.9L gas powered engine has the
block heater located on the right side of engine next
to the oil filter (Fig. 18).
The 8.0L V-10 engine has the block heater located
on the right side of engine next to the engine oil dip­
stick tube (Fig. 19).
The 5.9L diesel engine has the block heater located
on the right side of the engine below the exhaust
manifold (Fig. 20).
Fig. 18 Engine Block Heater—3.9U5.2U5.9L Gas
Powered Engine
Fig. 19 Engine Block Heater—8.0L V-10 Engine
Fig. 20 Engine Block Heater—5.9L Diesel Engine
COOLANT PERFORMANCE
ETHYLENE-GLYCOL MIXTURES
The required ethylene-glycol (antifreeze) and water
mixture depends upon the climate and vehicle oper­
ating conditions. The recommended mixture of 50/50
ethylene-glycol and water will provide protection
against freezing to -37 deg. C (-35 deg. F). The anti­
freeze concentration must always be a minimum of
44 percent, year-round in all climates. If percentage
is lower than 44 percent, engine parts may be
eroded by cavitation, and cooling system com­
ponents may be severely damaged by corrosion.
Maximum protection against freezing is provided
with a 68 percent antifreeze concentration, which