2004 DODGE VIPER cooling

WARNING!
The warning words ªDO NOT OPEN HOTº on the
pressure cap are a safety precaution. Never add
coolant to the radiator when the engine is over-
heated. Do not loosen or remove the pressure cap to
cool overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to
build up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding
or injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Coolant Level
The coolant recovery bottle provides a visual method for
checking the coolant level without removing the pressure
cap.
With the engine warmed up, the coolant level should be
between MIN and MAX on the coolant recovery bottle.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 169
7

When additional coolant is needed to maintain the
proper level, it should be added to the coolant recovery
bottle.
Points to Remember
²
Do not overfill the bottle.
²Check coolant freeze point in the coolant bottle. If
antifreeze needs to be added, contents of the coolant
bottle also must be protected against freezing.
²If frequent coolant additions are required, or if the
level in the bottle does not drop when the engine cools,
the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.
²Maintain coolant concentration of 50% ethylene glycol
(minimum) with recommended antifreeze for proper
corrosion protection of your engine that contains alu-
minum components.
²Make sure that the radiator and bottle overflow hoses
are not kinked or obstructed.
²Keep the front of the radiator clean. If your vehicle has
air conditioning, keep the front of the condenser clean
also.
²Do not change the thermostat for summer or winter
operation. If replacement is ever necessary, install
ONLY the correct type thermostat. Other designs may
result in unsatisfactory cooling performance.
Hoses and Vacuum/Vapor Harnesses
Inspect surfaces of hoses and nylon tubing for evidence
of heat and mechanical damage. Hard or soft spots,
brittle rubber, cracking, checking, tears, cuts, abrasions,
and excessive swelling suggest deterioration of the rub-
ber. Pay particular attention to those hoses nearest to
high heat sources such as the exhaust manifold. Inspect
170 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE

FLUID CAPACITIES
U.S. Metric
Fuel (Approximate)18 Gallons 68 Liters
Engine Oil with Filter
8.3 Liter Engine 10 Quarts 9.5 Liters
Cooling System*
8.3 Liter Engine 16 Quarts 15 Liters
* Includes heater and coolant recovery bottle filled to MAX level.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 195
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Convertible Top......................... 178
Convertible Top Maintenance............... 178
Cooling System......................... 166
Adding Coolant (Antifreeze).............. 168
Coolant Capacity...................... 195
Coolant Level......................... 169
Disposal of Used Coolant................ 167
Drain, Flush, and Refill.................. 166
Inspection........................... 166
Points to Remember.................... 170
Pressure Cap......................... 168
Rubber and Plastic Components............ 170
Selection of Coolant.................... 167
Crankcase Emission Control System.......... 155
Customer Assistance..................... 216
Dealer Service.......................... 147
Defroster, Windshield...................... 48
Dimmer Switch, Headlight.................. 65Door Locks............................. 13
Door Locks, Automatic.................... 15
Doors................................. 13
Drive Belts............................ 152
Driving
On Slippery Surfaces.................... 137
Electric Remote Mirrors.................... 55
Emergency, In Case of
Hazard Warning Flasher................. 132
Jump Starting......................... 134
Overheating.......................... 132
Towing............................. 139
Emission Control System Maintenance......146,200
Engine
Break-In Recommendations................ 46
Cooling.............................. 78
Oil ..............................148,195
Oil Disposal.......................... 151
228 INDEX