coolant change
#1
coolant change
ive noticed that my coolant reservoir is pretty much empty, and what is in there is brownish. so im thinking i want to replace the fluid. after searching on here, i've decided not to flush, as i have a high millage engine (144,0xx). my question is, if i just want to drain it, and refill it, how do i go about doing this? and how much coolant will i need for the 4.0L? thanks!
#3
There is a valve on the side/bottom of the radiator. That's how you drain it.
IMO with that many miles I'd remove the bottom rad hose from the radiator only. Hang it out of the way. Then spray a water hose down in the rad until nothing but clear water runs out. Then reconnect and fill with a 50/50 mix.
Leave the rad cap off and start the motor. Let it warm up until the t-stat opens. When it does the top hose will get too hot to touch and the fluid level will drop. Top it off with 50/50 mix and put the cap back on. Then over the next few drives just keep an eye on the reservior bottle fill level. It might go down a little... but not too much if all is well.
Rich
IMO with that many miles I'd remove the bottom rad hose from the radiator only. Hang it out of the way. Then spray a water hose down in the rad until nothing but clear water runs out. Then reconnect and fill with a 50/50 mix.
Leave the rad cap off and start the motor. Let it warm up until the t-stat opens. When it does the top hose will get too hot to touch and the fluid level will drop. Top it off with 50/50 mix and put the cap back on. Then over the next few drives just keep an eye on the reservior bottle fill level. It might go down a little... but not too much if all is well.
Rich
#5
so i want a green 50/50 fluid right? not an orange one? the reservoir has a picture of the green fluid with a check mark and orange with a red 'X'
#7
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#9
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#13
The only problem I see with changing it myself is disposing if the old coolant
so i'm still not sure how much i need. ranger_1999 said 2 gallons, but thats if draining it only. i think i'm going to flush it, so i'm sure thats more than 2 gallons.
#16
#18
Naw it ain't that clean. Probably clean enough to throw in your neighbors back yard though.
On second thought.. might wanna take it to a waste disposal place. Or sometimes auto parts places, or even a auto repair shop.
Rich
On second thought.. might wanna take it to a waste disposal place. Or sometimes auto parts places, or even a auto repair shop.
Rich
#19
#21
I used to think it doesn't really matter if you properly dispose of chemicals such as anti-freeze, but a good friend of mine lost thier dog because it started licking some spilled anti freeze on the garage floor. Dogs absolutely love the taste of it and it's incredibly lethal to them. Just something to consider for any of you guys with dogs. I know I always hose down the driveway real good after adding or changing any fluids in my truck from now on.
#22
How does one fill it back up? I just noticed on my 2.3L there is no spot on the rad to fill, simply an upper and lower hose... disconnect the lower hose to drain and then disconnect the upper hose and run a garden hose in it? Or is there a better way? Also how does one drain the reservoir container?
Thanks,
-Nigel
Thanks,
-Nigel
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