Engine Cooling System: Maintenance Dodge Dart PF

DRAINING

1. DO NOT remove radiator cap first. With engine cold, raise vehicle on a hoist and locate radiator draincock. NOTE: Radiator draincock is located in the radiator tank at the bottom.
2. Attach one end of a hose to the draincock. Put the other end into a clean container. Open draincock and drain coolant from radiator. This will empty the coolant reserve/overflow tank. The coolant does not have to be removed from the tank unless the system is being refilled with a fresh mixture. When tank is empty, remove radiator cap and continue draining cooling system.

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 fittings. Attach a section of 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 radiator is filled, apply air in short blasts allowing radiator to refill between blasts. Continue this reverse flushing until clean water flows out through rear of radiator cooling tube passages. For more information. Refer to operating instructions supplied with flushing equipment. Have radiator cleaned more extensively by a radiator repair shop.

REVERSE FLUSHING ENGINE

Drain the cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE . 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. Attach a lead away hose to the water pump inlet fitting.

Connect the water supply hose and air supply hose to the 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. For more information. Refer to operating instructions supplied with flushing equipment.

Remove the lead away hose, flushing gun, water supply hose and air supply hose. Remove the thermostat housing. Refer to THERMOSTAT, REMOVAL . Install the thermostat and housing with a replacement gasket. Refer to THERMOSTAT, INSTALLATION . Connect the radiator hoses. Refill the cooling system with the correct antifreeze/water mixture. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

Scheme 16

Evacuating or purging air from the cooling system involves the use of a pressurized air operated vacuum generator. The vacuum created allows for a quick and complete coolant refilling while removing any airlocks present in the system components.

Note. To avoid damage to the cooling system, ensure that no component would be susceptible to damage when a vacuum is drawn on the system.

Note. The service area where this procedure is performed should have a minimum shop air requirement of 80 PSI (5.5 bar) and should be equipped with an air dryer system.

Note. For best results, the radiator should be empty. The vehicle's heater control should be set to the heat position (ignition may need to be turned to the on position but do not start the motor).

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

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Scheme 20

1. Refer to the Chrysler Pentastar Service Equipment (Chrysler PSE) Coolant Refiller #85-15-0650 or equivalent tool's operating manual for specific assembly steps.
2. Choose an appropriate adapter cone that will fit the vehicle's radiator filler neck or reservoir tank.
3. Attach the adapter cone (2) to the vacuum gauge (1).
4. Make sure the vacuum generator/venturi ball valve (3) is closed and attach an airline hose (2) (minimum shop air requirement of 80 psi/5.5 bar) to the vacuum generator/venturi (1).
5. Position the adaptor cone/vacuum gauge assembly into the radiator filler neck or reservoir tank. Ensure that the adapter cone is sealed properly.
6. Connect the vacuum generator/venturi (2) to the positioned adaptor cone/vacuum gauge assembly (1).
7. Open the vacuum generator/venturi ball valve. NOTE: Do not bump or move the assembly as it may result in loss of vacuum. Some radiator overflow hoses may need to be clamped off to obtain vacuum.
8. Let the system run until the vacuum gauge shows a good vacuum through the cooling system. Refer to the tool's operating manual for appropriate pressure readings. NOTE: If a strong vacuum is being created in the system, it is normal to see the radiator hoses to collapse.
9. Close the vacuum generator/venturi ball valve.
10. Disconnect the vacuum generator/venturi and airline from the adaptor cone/vacuum gauge assembly.
11. Wait approximately 20 seconds, if the pressure readings do not move, the system has no leaks. If the pressure readings move, a leak could be present in the system and the cooling system should be checked for leaks and the procedure should be repeated.
12. Place the tool's suction hose into the coolant's container. NOTE: Ensure there is a sufficient amount of coolant, mixed to the required strength/protection level available for use. For best results and to assist the refilling procedure, place the coolant container at the same height as the radiator filler neck. Always draw more coolant than required. If the coolant level is too low, it will pull air into the cooling system which could result in airlocks in the system.
13. Connect the tool's suction hose (1) to the adaptor cone/vacuum gauge assembly (2). NOTE: View typical
14. Open the suction hose's ball valve to begin refilling the cooling system.
15. When the vacuum gauge reads zero, the system is filled. NOTE: On some remote pressurized tanks, it is recommended to stop filling when the proper level is reached.
16. Close the suction hose's ball valve and remove the suction hose from the adaptor cone/vacuum gauge assembly.
17. Remove the adaptor cone/vacuum gauge assembly from the radiator filler neck or reservoir tank.
18. With heater control unit in the HEAT position, operate engine with container cap in place.
19. After engine has reached normal operating temperature, shut engine off and allow it to cool. When engine is cooling down, coolant will be drawn into the radiator from the pressure container.
20. Add coolant to the recovery bottle/container as necessary. Only add coolant to the container when the engine is cold. Coolant level in a warm engine will be higher due to thermal expansion. Add necessary coolant to raise container level to the COLD MINIMUM mark after each cool down period.
21. Once the appropriate coolant level is achieved, attach the radiator cap or reservoir tank cap.