Gen 3 Ram Cummins Cooling System Flush and Routine Service

Join Moses as he does a periodic cooling system flush and coolant replacement on the magazine's 2005 Ram Cummins 3500. Thorough service with a quality cleaning solution, distilled water and approved coolant assures a long service life for the 5.9L Cummins engine, the radiator and heater core. This video coverage includes the how-to steps and products used.
There are additional details on replacing the radiator drain petcock and use of Rislone Hy-per Cool™ cleaner and wetting additive. If performed regularly, cooling system service is cost effective. Planning to keep your vehicle in top shape? These steps are important.
For more information, additional details are available at the 4WD Mechanix Magazine website: 4wdmechanix.co....
Technical information and how-to can be found at www.4WDmechani... and the forums at forums.4WDmech....
For more information and how-to visit www.4WDmechani... and forums.4WDmech....

[@DasSnakeBoy]

I was told not to use water to flush it as it would corrode, I’m almost at 100k. Was thinking of just draining it and filling it.

[@RoadReadywithMosesLudel]

I always use fresh, distilled water and never use mineralized tap water in my cooling systems. (See the section beginning at 5:54 through 7:21 of this video for details on flushing with distilled water.) I did clean the system during this service but did not find much debris. The flush procedure is described in your factory workshop manual if you need "official" guidelines.

[@jeffvw1994]

Easy to break the little plastic drain plug on the radiator, just broke mine.

[@RoadReadywithMosesLudel]

Yes, almost a guarantee...Wise to pick up a replacement radiator drain plug before this task. If the original plastic plug stays intact, you'll have a new one on hand. I have two spares on the shelf.

[@beachtimehawaiibth7222]

Extremely good and very detailed video….definitely one of the best on this topic. Thank you

[@RoadReadywithMosesLudel]

Glad it was helpful! I appreciate the feedback...Thanks!

[@RG-kg5vp]

How to get air out? Fan on low? Heat on high?

[@RoadReadywithMosesLudel]

At 12-minutes into the video, I share the vacuum filler method that has become popular. My only concern is that this method of filling the system does collapse the radiator hose(s). (You'll see the upper hose collapsed in my demonstration.) For a hose in new or newer/good condition, this should not be a hardship or cause trouble. An older hose could be an issue. Once vacuum is established and held with the tool, the siphon hose gets placed in the gallon jug(s) or a tub with clean coolant and water mix. (I bought a plastic cement mixing tub just for this purpose and keep the tub clean.) If you do not want to buy a vacuum filler kit (inexpensive at Harbor Freight, Amazon, eBay, etc.), the traditional method you describe will work. Heat on high, the fan speed is more for keeping the heater core from overheating than anything else...Fill the radiator to the filler neck and the overflow tank/reservoir to above its fill level. After warm-up to normal operating temperature, the engine is shut off and allowed to cool down. Coolant mix siphons into the radiator and replaces air in the cooling system. Level the coolant in the reservoir...After several warm-up/cool down cycles, the siphoned coolant from the reservoir eliminates all air in the cooling system. The reservoir must remain at least at its fill level during this cycling back and forth. Turning the heater on is always wise when using this method. Do not let the engine overheat, as there may be air gaps within the coolant. When normalized, drive the truck; after parking and cool down, watch the coolant level in the reservoir for several trips. Burping the system this way, always keep the coolant level normal in the reservoir.

[@azgearpro]

wow you are thorough, amazing video

[@RoadReadywithMosesLudel]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the compliment...