Cooling System - Draining and Filling

COOLING SYSTEM-DRAINING

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER BLOCK. DRAIN PLUGS OR COOLANT PRESSURE BOTTLE CAP, OR OPEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK, WHEN THE SYSTEM IS HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

When servicing the cooling system, it is essential that Coolant does not drip onto the accessory drive belt an&or pulleys. Shield the belt with shop towels before working on the cooling system. If coolant contacts the belt or pulley, flush both with clean water.

Drain Plug Location:

(1) Remove radiator drain plug located at the lower left side of radiator.
(2) Remove coolant pressure bottle cap.
(3) Remove the cylinder block drain plug(s) located behind each exhaust manifold.

CAUTION: The cooling system normally operates at 110-124 kPa (16-18 psi) pressure. Exceeding this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.

COOLING SYSTEM-FILLING

WARNING: MAKE SURE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM IS COOL BEFORE REMOVING PRESSURE CAP OR ANY HOSE. SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT FROM ESCAPING HOT COOLANT. THE COOLING SYSTEM IS PRESSURIZED WHEN HOT.

CAUTION: Do not use well water, or suspect water supply in cooling system. A 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol and distilled water is recommended.

Use Mopar Coolant, or an equivalent as necessary for best engine cooling without corrosion. Refer to Coolant Performance in Description and Operation for appropriate coolant mixture.
(1) Install radiator drain plug.
(2) Install the cylinder block drain plugs.
(3) Slowly fill coolant pressure bottle.

Cooling System Bleeding:

(4) It may be necessary to bleed air from the cooling system. This can be done by using the following procedures:
a. Ensure the heater control valve is in the open position.
b. Remove cooling system bleed plug from thermostat housing.
c. Continue filling cooling system until coolant is level with bleed plug opening.
d. Install cooling system bleed plug.
e. Continue filling cooling system until coolant level is above the top seam of the coolant pressure bottle.
(5) Install cap on coolant pressure bottle.

NOTE: The engine cooling system will push any remaining air into the coolant bottle within about an hour of normal driving. As a result, a drop in coolant level in the pressure bottle may occur.