I said DRINK!!!!

[myk]

Hey all.  I flushed my engine out today but for the life of me I couldn't remember how much coolant the 440 takes; couldn't find my shop manual, didn't find anything on the 'net for fluid capacities, etc.  The local Vato-zone told me the car takes 4.5 gallons of coolant mix; that sounded like alot but whatever.  I have to say that the fluid coming out of the car looked brand new but I honestly don't ever remember doing a coolant replacement in the 17 years I've had this thing so it had to be done. Also, I have to say that the car's always run cool but with the new coolant it seems to run even cooler-well at idle anyway. 

So after running the car for about a half hour and 2 gallons of Prestone later the 'rad is topped off.  I realize that with additional operating hours more bubbles will leave and I'll have to add coolant, but what is the true specified capacity anyway, or is this thing supposed to take more but for some reason isn't?  On a side note, why don't lower radiator hoses have springs in them anymore?  Thanks in advance... 

[myk]

oops!

[Dodge Don]

Here is a little secret ...for a 440 you can use a Mustang spring....I think it is the small block one. I got tipped off about it and got one and fits like a glove.

http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/2008/04/mustang-lower-radiator-hose-springs.html

[myk]

Here is a little secret ...for a 440 you can use a Mustang spring....I think it is the small block one. I got tipped off about it and got one and fits like a glove.

http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/2008/04/mustang-lower-radiator-hose-springs.html

Oh wow thanks.  But, I'm guessing that because these springs are no longer inserted into the hoses that they're no longer necessary, or does the hose collapse still happen?  I have to admit that the hose I removed as well as purchased are pretty sturdy pieces-I almost thought they were solid...

[myk]

So, does anyone know how much coolant a 440 with a 26" 'rad is supposed to take?  I still can't find my shop manual...

[Dodge Don]

I believe it is around 17 quarts.

I removed the thermostat housing and filled the block, replaced housing and then filled rad. Leave rad cap off and run engine until it gets hot enough to open the thermostat, you will see the water start to circulate and the rad level will drop as air is realeased from the system.

[jlatessa]

Another good idea is putting the front end on ramps or jacking it up a foot or so will help getting all the air pockets out of the heads, eliminating hot spots.

[jeryst]

Here is a little secret ...for a 440 you can use a Mustang spring....I think it is the small block one. I got tipped off about it and got one and fits like a glove.

http://blog.virginiaclassicmustang.com/2008/04/mustang-lower-radiator-hose-springs.html

Yeah, but you lose 36.5 HP.