Engine Cooling System & Automatic Transmission Cooling System: Maintenance Dodge Avenger II

REVERSE FLUSHING

Reverse flushing of the cooling system is the forcing of water through the cooling system. This is done using air pressure in the opposite direction of normal coolant flow. It is usually only necessary with very dirty systems with evidence of partial plugging.

REVERSE FLUSHING RADIATOR

Disconnect the radiator hoses from the radiator inlet and outlet. Attach a section of the radiator hose to the radiator bottom outlet fitting and insert the flushing gun. Connect a water supply hose and air supply hose to the flushing gun.

Allow the radiator to fill with water. When the radiator is filled, apply air in short blasts. Allow the radiator to refill between blasts. Continue this reverse flushing until clean water flows out through the rear of the radiator cooling tube passages.

REVERSE FLUSHING ENGINE - 2.0L / 2.4L

Drain the cooling system. Remove the thermostat housing and thermostat. Install the thermostat housing. Disconnect the radiator upper hose from the radiator and attach the flushing gun to the hose. Disconnect the radiator lower hose from the water pump and attach a lead-away hose to the water pump inlet fitting.

Connect the water supply hose and air supply hose to flushing gun. Allow the engine to fill with water. When the engine is filled, apply air in short blasts, allowing the system to fill between air blasts. Continue until clean water flows through the lead away hose.

Remove the lead away hose, flushing gun, water supply hose and air supply hose. Remove the thermostat housing and install the thermostat. Install the thermostat housing with a replacement gasket. Refer to Thermostat Replacement. Connect the radiator hoses. Refill the cooling system with the correct antifreeze/water mixture. Refer to DESCRIPTION . Refer to Refilling the Cooling System.

DRAINING

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

1. Position a clean collecting container under draincock location.
2. Open radiator draincock located at the lower right side of radiator. Turn draincock counterclockwise until it stops.
3. Remove coolant pressure cap.
4. Raise vehicle on hoist.
5. 2.7L/3.5L: Remove heater hose at heater tube located at the right front inner frame rail and direct coolant flow into container.

Scheme 35

1. Close radiator draincock by turning clockwise.
2. Remove cooling system pressure cap and fill cooling system with recommended coolant mixture. Refer to «DESCRIPTION»(ref-305753-S36121061532008120200000) .
3. Fill coolant recovery container to mid way between MIN and MIX marks.
4. Start engine and allow to run until thermostat opens and radiator fans cycle.

Note. It may be necessary to add additional coolant to the coolant recovery container after three or four warm-up/cool down cycles to maintain coolant level between the MIN and MAX marks; as additional trapped air is removed from the system.

Scheme 36

Note. Draincock should be hand tightened only.

Note. It is imperative that the cooling system air bleed valve be opened before any coolant is added to the cooling system. Failure to open the bleed valve first will result in an incomplete fill of the system.

1. Close radiator draincock by turning clockwise.
2. Open cooling system bleed valve.
3. Attach a 6.35 mm (0.250 in.) inside diameter clear hose that is 120.0 cm (48 in.) long to the bleed valve. Route the hose away from accessory drive belts and radiator fan. Position the other end of hose into a clean collecting container. The hose will prevent coolant from contacting accessory drive belts and other components.
4. Remove cooling system pressure cap. Attach Filling Aid Funnel 8195, to coolant pressure container filler neck.
5. Use the supplied clip to pinch overflow hose that connects between the two chambers of the pressure container.
6. Pour coolant into the larger section of Filling Aid Funnel (the smaller section of funnel is to allow air to escape).
7. Slowly continue filling until a steady stream of coolant flows from attached hose on bleed valve.
8. Close bleed valve and continue filling system to top of Filling Aid Funnel. DO NOT overtighten. Tighten to 12.4 N.m (110 lbs. in.).
9. Remove clip from overflow hose.
10. Allow coolant in Filling Aid Funnel to drain into overflow chamber of pressure container.
11. Remove Filling Aid Funnel 8195 and install pressure cap on pressure container.
12. Remove hose from bleed valve.
13. Start engine and allow to run until thermostat opens and radiator fans cycle. NOTE: If the engine cooling system overheats and pushes coolant into the overflow chamber of the pressure container, this coolant will be drawn back into the cooling system ONLY IF THE PRESSURE CAP IS LEFT ON THE PRESSURE CONTAINER. Removing the pressure cap breaks the vacuum path between the two chambers of the pressure container and the coolant will not return to the cooling system. The engine cooling system will push any remaining air into the pressure container within about one half hour of normal driving. As a result, a drop in coolant level in the pressure container may occur.
14. Shut off engine and allow it to cool down. This permits coolant to be drawn into the pressure chamber.
15. With engine COLD, observe coolant level in pressure chamber. Coolant level should be within MIN and MAX marks. Adjust coolant level as necessary