cooling
Coolant Reservoir
for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
48 min
Tools
8
Steps
14
This procedure covers removal and replacement of the coolant reservoir on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including coolant draining, reservoir removal, installation, and system refill.
Warnings
⚠️Never open cooling system when hot. Allow engine to cool completely for at least 2 hours to avoid severe burns from pressurized coolant.
⚠OAT coolant is toxic to animals and children. Clean up all spills immediately and dispose of used coolant at proper recycling facility.
⚠Only use Mopar OAT (Organic Additive Technology) Purple coolant. Mixing coolant types will cause system damage and void warranty.
ℹ️This procedure assumes coolant is being drained from reservoir only. Additional coolant may be needed if draining entire system.
Tools required
Socket set (metric)Essential
Ratchet and extensionsEssential
Drain pan (minimum 5 gallon capacity)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Pliers or hose clamp pliers
Shop towelsEssential
FunnelEssential
Coolant hydrometer or refractometer
Parts
- Coolant reservoir × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Coolant reservoir cap × 1 — Replace if damaged or seal compromised
- Hose clamps × 2 — Replace if corroded or damaged
Fluids
- Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 4 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch
- Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
- Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
- Open hood and secure with prop rod
- Locate coolant reservoir on driver side of engine compartment
- Place drain pan beneath reservoir area
Procedure
- 1Relieve cooling system pressureSlowly rotate the coolant reservoir cap counterclockwise to the first stop to relieve any residual system pressure. Listen for any hissing sound to stop completely. Once pressure is fully released, continue turning cap counterclockwise and remove completely.
- 2Drain coolant from reservoirUsing a fluid transfer pump or turkey baster, remove as much coolant as possible from the reservoir into the drain pan. If equipped with a drain plug on the radiator, open the drain petcock slightly to lower coolant level below reservoir connections. Alternatively, disconnect the lower hose to drain.Torque specDrain Petcock9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 3Disconnect reservoir hosesLocate the two hoses connected to the coolant reservoir (supply and return lines). Using pliers or hose clamp pliers, slide the hose clamps away from the reservoir connections. Carefully twist and pull each hose off the reservoir nipples. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain out. Plug hose ends with clean shop towels to prevent contamination.
- 4Remove electrical connector (if equipped)If your reservoir has a coolant level sensor, press the release tab on the electrical connector and disconnect it from the sensor on the reservoir. Move wiring harness out of the way.
- 5Remove reservoir mounting boltsLocate the reservoir mounting bolts securing the reservoir to the bracket on the inner fender. Typically there are two bolts at the top of the reservoir. Remove both mounting bolts completely and set aside.
- 6Remove reservoir from vehicleCarefully lift the coolant reservoir straight up and out of the engine compartment. Tilt as needed to drain any remaining coolant into the drain pan. Inspect the reservoir bracket for damage or corrosion and clean if necessary.
- 7Prepare new reservoirInspect the new coolant reservoir for any shipping damage. If equipped with a coolant level sensor, transfer the sensor from the old reservoir to the new one if not pre-installed. Verify all connection points are clean and free of debris.
- 8Install new reservoirPosition the new coolant reservoir into the mounting bracket, aligning the mounting holes. Thread in both reservoir mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment, then tighten using a torque wrench to specification in a cross pattern.Torque specReservoir Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
- 9Reconnect hosesReconnect both coolant hoses to the reservoir nipples. Ensure hoses are fully seated onto the nipples. Position new or existing hose clamps over the hose connections approximately 1/4 inch from the end of each hose. Tighten hose clamps to specification.Torque specHose Clamps5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 10Reconnect electrical connectorIf equipped with a coolant level sensor, reconnect the electrical connector to the sensor until it clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on it.
- 11Close drain petcockIf the radiator drain petcock was opened, close and tighten it to specification. Ensure it is secure but do not overtighten as it can crack.Torque specDrain Petcock9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 12Refill cooling systemFill the coolant reservoir to the MAX or FULL COLD line with fresh Mopar OAT Purple coolant mixed to proper concentration (typically 50/50 with distilled water, or use pre-mixed). Do not overfill. If a bleed screw is present on the thermostat housing or coolant crossover, open it slightly during filling until coolant flows out without air bubbles, then close to specification.ℹ️Use only distilled water to mix coolant. Tap water contains minerals that can cause corrosion and scaling in the cooling system.Torque specBleed Screw9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
- 13Install reservoir cap and burp systemInstall the coolant reservoir cap securely. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature with the heater set to maximum heat. Monitor coolant level and add as necessary. Watch for proper thermostat opening and coolant circulation. Allow engine to run for at least 10 minutes, then shut off and let cool for 30 minutes.⚠Monitor temperature gauge closely during warm-up. If engine begins to overheat, shut off immediately and investigate for air pockets or leaks.
- 14Check coolant level after coolingOnce engine has cooled, check the coolant level in the reservoir. It should be between the MIN and MAX marks. Top off with additional coolant if needed. Reinstall cap securely.
Reassembly
- Inspect all hose connections for leaks after initial warm-up cycle
- Verify reservoir cap is properly seated and sealed
- Clean any coolant residue from engine compartment and painted surfaces immediately to prevent damage
- Properly dispose of old coolant at a recycling facility or approved waste collection site
Verification
- With engine cold, verify coolant level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir
- Check for any coolant leaks around reservoir connections and mounting area
- Start engine and verify coolant level sensor (if equipped) shows proper reading on instrument cluster
- Run engine through one complete warm-up cycle and verify no leaks develop
- After engine cools, recheck coolant level and top off if necessary - level drop is normal after first heat cycle due to air purging
- Verify heater produces hot air at idle and under acceleration
- Monitor coolant level over the next few days and top off as needed until level stabilizes