Understanding Your Ram 2500 Diesel’s Coolant System
The coolant system in your Ram 2500 diesel is a vital component that helps regulate the temperature of your engine and prevent overheating, so it’s important to understand how it works.Importance Of Coolant
As a Ram 2500 Diesel truck owner, you understand the importance of running your engine smoothly and efficiently. Maintaining the proper coolant levels in your vehicle is essential in ensuring this. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is responsible for circulating through the engine, absorbing excess heat to help prevent overheating issues. When the engine gets too hot, it can cause severe damage to various components or even complete engine failure. Another advantage of having adequate coolant levels involves fuel efficiency.Types Of Coolant For Ram 2500 Diesel
Ram 2500 Diesel requires a specific type of coolant to keep the engine running smoothly.
Here are some types of coolant that are suitable for Ram 2500 Diesel:
- Ethylene Glycol-based Coolant – This traditional coolant is widely used in older engines. It provides excellent heat transfer and corrosion protection.
- Propylene Glycol-based Coolant – This newer type of coolant is less toxic and more environmentally friendly than ethylene glycol-based coolant. It also provides better protection against corrosion.
- Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant – This type of coolant uses organic acids instead of inorganic compounds to protect the engine from corrosion, which makes it the best choice for new diesel engines like those found in Ram 2500 Diesel trucks.
- Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) Coolant – This coolant combines organic acid technology with traditional inorganic compounds to provide better protection against corrosion and extended service life.
Location Of Coolant Reservoir
The coolant reservoir in your Ram 2500 Diesel is critical to its cooling system. It’s usually located near the engine bay, on the vehicle’s passenger side.
You can identify it by looking for a plastic tank with hoses leading to and from it. To add coolant to your Ram 2500 Diesel, you must find this reservoir and remove the cap.
It’s essential always to keep an eye on the coolant levels in this reservoir as they indicate how well your engine is being cooled. The markings typically range from “Low” to “Max.”
Notice that you’re consistently adding coolant every few weeks or more frequently. There may be an underlying issue causing leaks or overheating problems that require professional diagnosis and repair.
How To Add Coolant To Ram 2500 Diesel
To add coolant to your Ram 2500 Diesel, gather the necessary tools, prepare the engine and coolant, then pour it into the reservoir until it reaches the full line and checks for leaks.Gather Necessary Tools And Coolant
Before adding coolant to your Ram 2500 Diesel, gathering the necessary tools and materials is important. You will need a jug of pre-mixed antifreeze/coolant compatible with your truck’s engine, a funnel, rags or towels to clean up any spills or drips, and safety goggles. Make sure you choose the right type of coolant before you begin. Using the wrong kind can cause damage or even void your warranty. Additionally, consider wearing gloves when handling antifreeze, as it can be harmful if ingested or absorbed through the skin.Prepare Your Engine And Coolant
To prepare your engine and coolant for adding new coolant, make sure to turn off the engine and let it cool down completely. A hot engine can cause serious injuries when you try to remove the radiator cap or add new coolant. Next, locate the coolant reservoir, which is usually made of plastic and has markings indicating minimum and maximum levels. Ensure your Ram 2500 Diesel’s cooling system is free from dirt, debris, grease, or other impurities that could contaminate the new coolant. Once you’ve emptied the old coolant safely into a container (if necessary), fill up with a proper mix of antifreeze/coolant recommended by Ram truck makers until it reaches below max level on the level indicator.Add Coolant To The Reservoir
To add coolant to your Ram 2500 diesel, locate the coolant reservoir on the driver’s side of the engine compartment. The reservoir has a plastic cap and is not pressurized. First, gather the necessary tools and coolant; then, prepare your engine and coolant for adding. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to mix the antifreeze with water precisely. Next, fill up any vent tubes connected to your radiator until they reach their top level before closing them securely. To ensure you’re using safe procedures when adding or replacing engine coolant in your Ram’s Diesel Engine Cooling System (DECS), make sure only to use recommended coolants like Fleetguard ES Compleat G-05 OAT Extended Life Coolant/Antifreeze or Cummins Filtration Fleetguard Organic Acid Technology (OAT) Coolant-AFMTech With DCA4 Liquid as suggested by Ram automakers themselves.Check For Leaks
Before starting your Ram 2500 diesel engine, checking for leaks is crucial. A coolant leak can cause a drop in the coolant level, eventually leading to the engine overheating. Look for any signs of leaks, like green or pink streaks on the ground under your vehicle or around the radiator and hoses. One way to identify internal leaks is by watching for temperature gauge changes or warning lights during driving. If you think there’s a leakage issue, use radiator pressure testers to immediately locate where they are coming from. Once you’ve identified any potential leaks, fix them before adding new coolant into your system using recommended sealers for external problems or professional repairs that address more complex issues like head gasket failure.Is the Process of Adding Coolant to a Ram 1500 the Same as Adding Coolant to a Ram 2500 Diesel?
The process of adding coolant to a Ram 1500 is different from adding coolant to a Ram 2500 Diesel. While both vehicles require coolant to maintain engine performance, the specific steps, coolant types, and locations of coolant reservoirs may vary between the two models. It is important to consult the respective vehicle manuals for accurate instructions on how to add coolant to ram 1500 and Ram 2500 Diesel.
Tips And Precautions To Remember
Remember always to use the correct type of coolant, regularly check your Ram 2500 diesel’s coolant levels, and avoid overfilling the coolant reservoir. Additionally, consider seeking professional help for any complex maintenance tasks related to your engine’s cooling system.Use The Right Type Of Coolant
Using the right type of coolant is crucial for maintaining your Ram 2500 Diesel’s engine health. Using the wrong kind of coolant can lead to significant damage and overheating problems. Generally, an OAT (Organic Additive Technology) coolant that meets Chrysler MS-90032 specifications for Ram 2500 Diesel models from 2013-2022 is recommended. This type of coolant provides better corrosion protection and lasts longer than other antifreeze mixtures. Choosing a high-quality product with the correct amount and ratio of additives is essential for optimal performance in weather conditions.Regularly Check Coolant Levels
It is important to regularly check your Ram 2500 diesel’s coolant levels to ensure that the engine is running smoothly and prevent overheating. Low coolant levels can lead to increased engine temperatures and potential damage, making it crucial to add more when necessary. Checking the coolant level is a simple process – locate the coolant reservoir under the hood, remove the cap, and check that the fluid level is at or above the minimum line. If it’s below that line, add more of the recommended antifreeze/coolant mixture until it reaches full capacity.Do Not Overfill the Coolant
It’s important not to overfill coolant in your Ram 2500 diesel to avoid damaging the engine. Overfilling can cause pressure buildup, leading to leaks or even radiator damage. To prevent overfilling, gradually fill the reservoir with coolant and check the level until it reaches the recommended level. Using the right type of coolant for your vehicle is crucial, as using improper or too much antifreeze can lead to mechanical issues. As mentioned, using a vacuum fill tool may help add just enough fluid without causing overfilling by removing any air pockets from within the system before refilling it with water pump lubricants like Fleetguard or Cummins cooling system cleaner.Consider Getting Professional Help
If you’re not confident adding coolant to your Ram 2500 Diesel or have never done it before, consider seeking professional help. A mechanic or dealership can assist you in the process and ensure that it’s done correctly. Additionally, if you’re unsure what type of antifreeze/coolant is best suited for your vehicle, a professional can provide guidance and recommendations on which one to use. While adding coolant may seem simple, mistakes do happen, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with something as crucial as your engine’s cooling system.Best Antifreeze/Coolant For Ram 2500 Diesel
Choosing the right antifreeze/coolant is crucial for maintaining a healthy engine. For Ram 2500 Diesel models, it is recommended to use Fleetguard OAT coolant or the Ram MS.90032 OAT coolant type for optimal performance and protection against corrosion and deposits.Choosing The Right Type Of Coolant
Choosing the right type of coolant for your Ram 2500 Diesel is important to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. Ram MS.90032 OAT coolant type is recommended in the 2013-2022 models, but it’s essential to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. The wrong coolant can cause damage to the engine and lead to overheating or corrosion, so be sure to use a manufacturer-approved product that matches your vehicle’s requirements. It’s also crucial to avoid mixing different types of coolants as they could cause chemical reactions that may harm the engine.Suggested Antifreeze/coolant Products For Ram 2500 Diesel
I recommend using these antifreeze/coolant products for your Ram 2500 Diesel:- Mopar OAT Coolant – This coolant is specifically designed for Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge vehicles, including the Ram 2500 Diesel. It offers long-lasting protection against corrosion and overheating.
- Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT Coolant – This heavy-duty coolant is perfect for diesel engines like the one in your Ram 2500. It provides extended life protection and can withstand extreme temperatures.
- Prestone Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant – This coolant is compatible with all vehicle makes and models, including your Ram 2500 Diesel. It has a proprietary formula offers superior protection against rust, corrosion, and overheating.
- Zerex G-05 Antifreeze/Coolant – This coolant is specially formulated for diesel engines and offers excellent protection against metal corrosion and cavitation erosion. Its low-silicate formula helps prevent gelling and extends the life of your engine’s cooling system.
