2014 Ram 3.6 coolant concentration help

[Lakewind]

My 2014 Ram 1500 3.6 was due for a coolant flush and refill (10 year coolant) so I took it to the Ram dealer and had the work done. When I got home I checked the coolant in the radiator with a hydrometer (checked twice with gage held level and air bubble free) and the reading showed -10 degrees as the freezing point. Can these hydrometers give accurate concentration levels with OAT coolant used in this truck? Shouldn't this reading be closer to -30 degrees when a factory recommended 50/50 mix is used? Looking at the receipt it says they used 2 gallons of Mopar p/n 68163849AB coolant which is the factory recommended 50/50 do not add water coolant. Can anyone tell me what's going on here? I am the original owner of this truck and have always followed recommended maintenance. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dean2]

I would get another Gauge and see if the one you have matches. If they actually used what they billed you for I would think 50/50 should be good to at least -35F. Mine tests at -55, with an old Prestone similar to yours, but I added to mine from concentrate.

P.S.

Figured winter will be here soon so just went out to the garage and tested my Wife's Jeep. it is a 2020, with the factory coolant. Same old Prestone tester, it tests at -55 just like my pickup, which is a 2021.

The Canadian Version the scale goes down to down to -64C

 

[Wild one]

I use one of these,seems to be fairly accurate with OAT.

Amazon.ca

Amazon.com

 

[Lakewind]

Thank you all for the input. Further investigation reveals the 2014 Ram 1500 w/3.6 L has a coolant capacity of 14 quarts. Filling this trucks drained coolant system would take 3.5 gallons of Mopar p/n 68163849AB (50/50 do not add water). They charged me for 2 gallons as per receipt. It's almost looks like the tech who did the work thought the coolant was the concentrate and watered it down. Thank God I checked!

 

[Dean2]

Just looked at your picture again and recalling what mine just looked like in the tester earlier, that coolant is no where near dark enough in color to be a true 50/50 mix. Pour some 50/50 into a glass and you will see just how diluted the stuff you have is. I think the dealer made a mistake and added water they shouldn't have. Your 3.6 takes 14 quarts on a flush so that would need 3.5 gallons. If they only used 2 of 50/50 and water for the rest, it explains why it is so diluted

 

[Wild one]

Thank you all for the input. Further investigation reveals the 2014 Ram 1500 w/3.6 L has a coolant capacity of 14 quarts. Filling this trucks drained coolant system would take 3.5 gallons of Mopar p/n 68163849AB (50/50 do not add water). They charged me for 2 gallons as per receipt. It's almost looks like the tech who did the work thought the coolant was the concentrate and watered it down. Thank God I checked!

You're not getting 14 quarts into it unless you completely drain it,and that's easier said then done,just opening the rads petcock is only going to get maybe 1/2 the old coolant out,there'll still be a bunch of old coolant in the block / heater core / hoses etc. Drain some out and add another 3/4's to a gallon of concentrate,should get you roughly where you want to be on strength

 

[Dean2]

You're not getting 14 quarts into it unless you completely drain it,and that's easier said then done,just opening the rads petcock is only going to get maybe 1/2 the old coolant out,there'll still be a bunch of old coolant in the block / heater core / hoses etc. Drain some out and add another 3/4's to a gallon of concentrate,should get you roughly where you want to be on strength

If the dealer did a proper flush, they should have evacuated all the old coolant. If they followed it by a fresh water flush, that might explain why they only had room for 2 gallons of 50/50 and why it is nice and clean but VERY diluted.

 

[Wild one]

If the dealer did a proper flush, they should have evacuated all the old coolant. If they followed it by a fresh water flush, that might explain why they only had room for 2 gallons of 50/50 and why it is nice and clean but VERY diluted.

They only charged him an hours labour,so he probably didn't get an evacuation/fresh water flush and fill up,probably got a drain and refill

 

[Lakewind]

The second page of my receipt showing all charges. Total labor charges were $165. Total parts were $112.43 of which $41.20 was for 2 gallons of coolant. The remainder of $71.23 was for a coolant system flush chemical they claimed to have used. A little puzzling. The service manager told me they use a machine to suck the old coolant out. I paid for a full system flush and refill.

 

[Dean2]

So what did the dealer have to say about the overly diluted coolant?

 

[Lakewind]

I'll be calling them Monday morning. I've got a feeling the service manager will cast doubt on my findings. Any advice on how to deal with him?

 

[Dean2]

I'll be calling them Monday morning. I've got a feeling the service manager will cast doubt on my findings. Any advice on how to deal with him?

Pretty easy conversation, put tester in, test. Compare fresh 50/50 color/opacity to the stuff you have. They charged you for a full flush and evacuation, and the unit takes 14 quarts on a full flush, they only put in 2 gallons, means the rest has to be water or the system would not be full.

I really don't expect you to get any grief at all from the service manager. He should easily know 2 gallons of 50/50 isn't enough, and its not like you wouldn't be paying for the extra 1.5 gallons. If the service manager tries anything hinky, talk to the GM as that would tell you this is NOT a place you want to get service work done. If they will lie over something this small they will easily do it on bigger. Don't really see that happening though. Let us know how it goes.

 

[Lakewind]

Thanks Dean. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Lakewind]

I returned my truck to the dealer yesterday. After showing them the receipt showing 2 gallons of 50/50 coolant were used and my pics of the weak hydrometer readings, they didn't try to argue. They drained the entire coolant system again and added the 3.5 gallons of Mopar 50/50 that's required in the 3.6 pentastar. They offered no explanation as to what happened. My coolant hydrometer readings were -36° freezing/ 265° boiling this morning where they're supposed to be. Thank God I checked behind them or I could have had a frozen engine block this winter. I appreciate everyone's input so much. You all have always been a big help.

 

[Dean2]

Glad it was such and easy redo. Goodd on the dealer for making it right without arguing.