Cooling System - Draining and Filling

WARNING: Do not remove the cylinder block drain plugs or coolant pressure bottle cap, or loosen the radiator draincock, with the system hot and under pressure because serious burns from the coolant can occur.

COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING

NOTE: When servicing the cooling system, it is essential that coolant does not drip onto the accessory drive belt and/or pulleys. Protect the belt with shop towels before working on the cooling system. If coolant contacts the belt or pulley, flush them with clean water.

Fig. 18 Radiator Drain And Drain Hose:

1. Attach one end of a 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) ID hose, that is approximately 914 mm (36 in.) long, to radiator drain. Place the other end of the hose in a clean container with a capacity of at least three gallons.
2. Open radiator drain.

Fig. 20 Coolant Pressure Bottle Cap - Late:

3. Remove coolant pressure bottle cap and let radiator drain.

Fig. 21 3.0L Engine Cylinder Block Drain Plug Left Side:

Fig. 22 3.0L Engine Cylinder Block Drain Plug Right Side:

4. ONCE THE ENGINE HAS COOLED DOWN, remove the cylinder block drain plugs. Remove the drain plug located behind and below each exhaust manifold.
5. Drain engine.

CAUTION: The cooling system normally operates at 108-140 kPa 16-20 psi pressure. Exceeding this pressure may damage the radiator or hoses.

REFILLING COOLING SYSTEM

NOTE: Use Mopar All Season Coolant, or an equivalent coolant containing ALUGARD 340-2.

1. Close radiator drain.
2. Remove drain hose.

CAUTION: The gaskets copper colored washer on the cylinder block drain plugs MUST be replaced each time the drain plugs are removed.

3. Install the cylinder block drain plugs with new gaskets.

WARNING: When installing drain hose to air bleed valve on thermostat housing, route hose away from accessory drive belt, accessory drive pulleys, and electric cooling fan.

Fig. 26 Air Bleed Valve On Water Rack - Late:

4. Attach one end of a 6.35 mm (.250 in.) ID clear hose that is approximately 1219 mm (48 in.) long, to the bleed valve in the water rack. Route the hose away from the accessory drive belt, drive pulleys and electric cooling fan. Place the other end of hose into a clean container. The hose will prevent coolant from contacting the accessory drive belt when bleeding the system during the refilling operation.
5. Open bleed valve.

Fig. 25 Filling Cooling System - Late:

6. Slowly fill coolant pressure bottle until a steady stream of coolant flows from hose attached to the bleed valve.
7. Gently squeeze upper radiator hose until all air is removed from system.
8. Close bleed valve and continue filling to the fill mark of the coolant pressure bottle.
9. Install cap on coolant pressure bottle.
10. Remove hose from bleed valve.

IF HEATER :CIRCUIT HAS BEEN DRAINED
Complete steps 1 through 6 previously outlined in the Refilling Cooling System.

1. Start and run engine for one minute.
2. Refill coolant pressure bottle until a steady stream of coolant flows from hose attached to the bleed valve.
3. Gently squeeze upper radiator hose until all air is out of the system.
4. Close bleed valve and fill coolant pressure bottle.
5. Install cap on coolant pressure bottle.
6. Remove hose from bleed valve.