Recommendations for coolant for the 02 Grand Caravan? Hasn't been changed and I'm at 60k.
Coolant for 02 Caravan
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I believe the stock for Dodge coolant is G 05 specification, so stick with it. It is a most excellent coolant. Zerex makes a G 05, Mercedes uses G 05, anything daimler-chrysler uses G 05. And Ford uses G 05.
The only thing about Zerex's G 05 is that it is almost completely clear. The ones you get from Mopar or Ford are dyed (either yellow or orange) for easier viewing.
GM is the one that uses Dexcool specification fluid. Dexcool is a OAT formula. G 05 is a HOAT formula.
OAT is Organic Acid Technology.
HOAT is Hybrid Organic Acid Technology.
They are both ethylene glycol based coolants.
The only thing about Zerex's G 05 is that it is almost completely clear. The ones you get from Mopar or Ford are dyed (either yellow or orange) for easier viewing.
GM is the one that uses Dexcool specification fluid. Dexcool is a OAT formula. G 05 is a HOAT formula.
OAT is Organic Acid Technology.
HOAT is Hybrid Organic Acid Technology.
They are both ethylene glycol based coolants.
I called the Dodge dealer to see what they had to say and he said they use Mopar coolant. Do they use 50/50 or just mopar? But is the Mopar a specific type?
I am getting lost here.
I am getting lost here.
Mopar is a brand, not a type. You should use a 50% glycol to water mix, it may come as a concentrate or prediluted. If a concentrate mix with distilled water.
Good luck
Good luck
Thanks. Flush or just a fill?
I think a flush might be in order. Can you inspect the radiator tubes? If they are clean without deposits then a water flush. If deposits are present the use a chemical flush. Make sure the heater is on wide open so the whole system get flushed. Follow with 3-4 flushes of clean water.
What do I use to flush it myself?
Sorry, just learning.
Thanks.
Sorry, just learning.
Thanks.
Click on "search" on the top of this screen and type in "flush". Search the forum "cooling fluids and additives". You will find discussions such as the one below:
Best way to flush a cooling system.
You will not find agreement on whether it is a good idea to fill your cooling system with tap water by flushing with a garden hose. You do need to replace your old coolant, however.
Best way to flush a cooling system.
You will not find agreement on whether it is a good idea to fill your cooling system with tap water by flushing with a garden hose. You do need to replace your old coolant, however.
If you have never put tap water in your coolant system, flushing should not be necessary. Make sure you use the same type of coolant as the original. (sound like it should be G-05)
If you'll just be flushing with water, do so with distilled or de-ionized water (essentially the same thing - just different methodology to the same end). The stuff's not that expensive at ~60 cents/gallon at WalMart. Even if it takes 8 gallons (unlikely), that's still under $5.00 to do it right to avoid introducing corrosion and precipitate prone hardwater minerals into the cooling system. $5.00 averaged over 60,000 miles isn't even peanuts.
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