Service Procedures; Adding Additional Coolant-Routine; Coolant Level Check-Routine; Coolant Level C H E C K - S E R V I C E - Dodge ram truck 3500 1996 Service Manual

B R COOLING SYSTEM 7 - 33
D I A G N O S I S A N D T E S T I N G (Continued)
will be drawn from reserve/overflow tank into radia­
tor to replace removed air.
S E R V I C E P R O C E D U R E S
COOLANT LEVEL CHECK—ROUTINE
NOTE: Do not remove radiator cap for routine
coolant level inspections. The coolant level can be
checked at the coolant reserve/overflow tank.
The coolant reserve/overflow system provides a
quick visual method for determining the coolant level
without removing the radiator pressure cap. With
engine idling and at normal operating temperature,
observe coolant level in coolant reserve/overflow
tank. The coolant level should be between the ADD
and FULL marks.
COOLANT SERVICE—V-6, V-8, AND V-10 ENGINES
It is recommended that the cooling system be
drained and flushed at 84,000 kilometers (52,500
miles) or 3 years, whichever occurs first. Then every
two years or 48,000 kilometers (30,000 miles), which­
ever occurs first.
COOLANT SERVICE—DIESEL ENGINE
It is recommended that the cooling system be
drained and flushed every 24 months or 38,600 kilo­
meters (24,000 miles), whichever occurs first.
ADDING ADDITIONAL COOLANT—ROUTINE
Do not remove the radiator cap to add cool­
ant to the system. When adding coolant to main­
tain the correct level, do so at the coolant reserve/
overflow tank with a 50/50 mixture of ethylene glycol
antifreeze (containing Alugard 340-2 ®) and water.
Remove the radiator cap only for testing or when
refilling the system after service. Removing cap
unnecessarily can cause loss of coolant and allow air
to enter system. This produces corrosion.
COOLANT LEVEL C H E C K — S E R V I C E
The cooling system is closed and designed to main­
tain coolant level to the top of the radiator.
WARNING: DO NOT OPEN RADIATOR DRAINCOCK
WITH ENGINE RUNNING OR WHILE ENGINE IS HOT
AND COOLING SYSTEM IS UNDER PRESSURE.
When vehicle servicing requires a coolant level
check in the radiator, drain several ounces of coolant
from the radiator drain cock. Do this while observing
the coolant reserve/overflow system tank. The coolant
level in the reserve/overflow tank should drop
slightly. I f not, inspect for a leak between radiator
and coolant reserve/overflow system connection.
Remove radiator cap. The coolant level should be to
the top of the radiator. I f not and i f coolant level in
re serve/overflow tank is at the ADD mark, check for:
• An air leak in the coolant reserve/overflow tank
• An air leak in the radiator filler neck
® Leak in the pressure cap seal to the radiator
filler neck
DRAINING COOLING SYSTEM
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER
BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR
DRAIN PLUG WITH SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER
PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT
CAN OCCUR.
DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. I f the solution
is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for
reuse.
(1) Start the engine and place the heater control
temperature selector in the Full-On position. Engine
vacuum is needed to actuate the heater controls.
(2) Turn the ignition off.
(3) Do not remove radiator cap when draining cool­
ant from reserve/overflow tank. Open radiator drain
plug and when tank is empty, remove radiator cap. I f
the coolant reserve/overflow tank does not drain,
refer to the Testing Cooling System for Leaks section
in this group. The coolant need not be removed from
tank unless the system is being refilled with fresh
mixture.
(4) On vehicles equipped with gas powered
engines, remove the cylinder block drain plugs. These
are located on the sides of the block just above the oil
pan (Fig. 36).
(5) Remove radiator pressure cap.
Fig. 36 Drain Plugs—Gas Powered Engines—Typical