noob question regarding low coolant level

[dannyb1990]

Hello guys,
I have a 2006 Chrysler 300 3.5L V6, and the coolant tank level is at or under the MIN mark. I asked a friend and he said its ok to just add distilled water, but he told me to double check before doing anything. So im just curious can I just add distilled water, or add coolant? Not sure what coolant it takes Ill have to take a look see in the manual.

Also thinking of doing a coolant flush soon, I believe its recommended at 5 years / 80k kms, almost there.

Thanks for any tips / recommendations.

 

[tomcat27]

do not simply add water - especially in canada. it's time for a coolant change anyway. your Chrysler calls for a HOAT (Hybrid Oranic Acid Technology) coolant - I would use Genuine Chrysler coolant or find Zerex G05 coolant. and keep an eye on the coolant level - coolant is not normally "consumed" - there may be a small leak.

I know there is temptation to use "universal" cheaper coolants (Prestone Global, Peak, etc) and the topic gets batted around here frequently. for most of my cars lately I have simply purchased at the dealer - which I would never have done in the past. (Dodge & Toyota here...) I long for the good old days when everything used normal Green coolant.

 

[Familyguy]

Tomcat is spot on. A tad bit of distilled water will be OK to top up (available at any pharmacy for dirt cheap), but I agree that it's about time for a dump and refill anyway. I use Zerex G05 in my 2006 Charger.

 

[440Magnum]

You can add a SMALL amount of distilled water, but be sure that you do this just before you run the engine for a long time so that the distilled water will get mixed throughout the cooling system. If you add it at the end of the day and then let it sit overnight, the higher percentage of water in the overflow tank will make it subject to freezing in your climate.

I'd add a little water for now and then do a flush/fill with new coolant when its more convenient (read: warmer weather!) for you.

Use a G-05 coolant- Mopar, Motorcraft Premium Gold, or Zerex G-05. Don't be tempted by an "all makes" type coolant. The 3.5 isn't notoriously picky about coolants, but don't tempt fate.

 

[dannyb1990]

Thanks guys, hopefully this week I can go pick up some G05 coolant from napa or partsource and take it to my garage. What is a fair price for the labour involved? Ive been getting quoted around $80 but that includes the coolant, which Im going to get on my own (Zerex G05).

Thanks again for the advice

 

[mechanicx]

I think $80 is a good price even without including coolant if they are using a coolant exchanger and changing out all the coolant or at least drain the raidiator and block. If they're just going drain the radiator then it wouldn't be worth it.

 

[dannyb1990]

Hmm just want to get you guys opinion on this. So I got the coolant flush today done, they said they did it through the machine and they got the radiator, block, heater core, etc... Anyways they told me that my coolant was contaminated. They showed me the color, the G05 is supposed to be a kind of clear red, but instead mine was sort of like a reddish with white creamy color that made it orangy.

I asked what might have caused this, and they said water got in the system. Im not sure if thats right, is there something I should be looking out for, like checking if it has done damage to other parts, etc..

Any advice is appreciated, thanks peeps.

 

[mechanicx]

Maybe the coolant was just getting old and was a little diluted with water. Main thing to look for now that it is changed is that the coolant level stays steady and full, and there's no signs of coolant in the oil or in the transmission fluid.

 

[dannyb1990]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Maybe the coolant was just getting old and was a little diluted with water. Main thing to look for now that it is changed is that the coolant level stays steady and full, and there's no signs of coolant in the oil or in the transmission fluid.


Cool thanks for the reassurance, Ill keep my eye on the coolant level. Also, 3 months ago when I did the tranny flush and changed engine oil, everything seemed spotless as far as the fluids are concerned, so thankfully its not a head gasket issue, unless it still can be but is hidden?

learning so much on this site!