How to Clean the Front of the Radiator in a Dodge Ram

Described as the "spine of the cooling system," the Dodge Ram radiator maintains a cool engine. Most late Dodge models utilize aluminum radiators that weigh less than their copper/brass counter-parts and contain no lead solder, a substance that corrodes and pollutes the environment. Clean the front of the radiator in a Dodge Ram by using a process that applies to most year models.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic water hose
• Water with soap
• Soft nylon brush

1. Make sure the engine is cool before starting to clean. Auto experts say putting cold water on a hot engine can damage it. In addition, a hot engine means the radiator contains hot coolant under intense pressure.

2. Push up the Ram hood and put it in a securely fixed, open position. Locate your radiator on the front left side of the truck for the 3.7L, 4.7L and 5.7L engines. Loosen dead insects and other debris by dipping the nylon brush into the soapy water and gently scrubbing the radiator front in the direction of the fins. Rubbing against the direction of the fragile metal fins can cause them to bend.

3. Cover the radiator front with gentle streams of water. Avoid turning the water pressure up too high because too much pressure on the delicate radiator fins results in bending. Repeat this cleansing process every 12,000 miles or according to scheduled maintenance in your owner's manual.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspect your cooling system yearly especially before the onset of cold or freezing weather. Flush and refill the system with fresh coolant when the coolant looks rusty or dirty.
• Check the coolant bottle tubing for leaks and proper tightness where it connects to the radiator. Use a 50 percent solution of ethylene glycol antifreeze coolant and distilled water when adding coolant or refilling the system. Make certain the coolant contains long life corrosion inhibitors called HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology).