Refilling my Dodge 3500 radiator

37chief · Aug 9, 2014

I had to replace the radiator in my 96 Dodge v 10 I use to pull my mowing tractor. While doing it I drained the block both sides. Now the water just sits in the full radiator, and doesn't drain into the block Shouldn't there be a small hole in the thermostat to let the water slowly drain into the block. If I run the engine to get it hot enough to open the thermostat, will it get too hot. Can't remember having this much trouble refilling a radiator. Stan

JD Seller · Aug 9, 2014

Look for a air bleeder on the top of the engine. Some of these newer pickups will get air locked and will not fill if they where completely emptied.

Your owners manual should tell you where it would be.

uncle henry · Aug 9, 2014

i just squeeze the top radiator hose

4play · Aug 9, 2014

On the thermostat housing you should see a small coolant hose, an engine temp sensor and gauge temp sensor. Remove that little coolant hose to temporarily bleed air as you fill

ih_bug · Aug 9, 2014

I have had to elevate the front of the truck . drive into a ditch. to get the airlock out.

320B · Aug 10, 2014

Remove thermostat housing and thermostat and prefill the block. Also are you sure there is not a blockage in the rad? I'm quite sure that is a china rad and you wouldn't be the first guy to have that problem.

nhboyd · Aug 10, 2014

Go to parts store and get tool to fill radiator. You connect it to air hose and suck a vacuum. Put hose in antifreeze, open valve and it will suck in antifreeze.

MeAnthony · Aug 10, 2014

I've had a lot of problems with the air bleeder screw corroding and breaking off, especially on GM V6 engines. I usually buy one of the flush kits and install the T-fitting at the highest point in the system, typically in one of the heater core hoses. To remove air, I uncap the T-fitting and put the garden hose in the radiator.

The following page says to make sure the heat is on, to ensure full circulation. Also, one guy says to remove top radiator hose from gooseneck, use long screwdriver to push thermostat open and drop an asprin in it to hold it open temporarily.
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wsmm · Aug 10, 2014

Jeep engines are also know to be had to fill with coolant. After rebuilding we first filled it through the thermostat housing through the fitting that the heater hose attaches to. When that was filled we then filled the radiator. Worked fine.

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Aug 10, 2014

The tool NHBOYD is referring to is also known as an "Air Lift". It pulls a vacuum on the system and then uses that vacuum to completely refill a cooling system without any air pockets anywhere in the system, even vans with rear heat without ever starting the engine. Once you fill one that way, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

Refilling my Dodge 3500 radiator

37chief

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JD Seller

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uncle henry

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4play

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ih_bug

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320B

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nhboyd

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MeAnthony

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wsmm

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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