How much coolant does a Chevy Express 3500 6.0 hold?
The Chevy Express 3500 with the 6.0-liter V8 cooling system holds roughly 4 to 5 gallons of coolant (about 15 to 19 liters) for a full cooling-system fill.
In practice, the exact capacity can vary by model year, radiator configuration, and heater-core setup. The figures below summarize typical ranges and practical guidance for topping up and maintaining the system in a standard Express 3500 equipped with the 6.0L V8.
Typical cooling-system capacity for the Express 3500 6.0L
Before listing the capacity range, it helps to understand what “capacity” covers in this context. The figures below refer to the total cooling system, including the radiator, engine passages, heater core, hoses, and expansion reservoir.
- Estimated total cooling-system capacity: about 16–20 quarts (4–5 gallons, roughly 15–19 liters) for most 6.0L Express 3500 configurations.
- Year-to-year and option variations may shift the total by about 1–2 quarts depending on radiator size, heater-core routing, and available equipment.
- Expansion-reservoir capacity is included in the total figure; the amount you actually pour in may appear differently when topping up between the radiator and reservoir.
In short, plan for roughly 4 to 5 gallons of coolant to perform a full system fill on a typical Express 3500 with the 6.0L engine, while acknowledging that specific VINs may differ slightly.
Filling and bleeding the cooling system
To ensure accurate filling and proper bleed of air from the cooling passages, follow these practical steps and refer to your owner's manual for any model-year specifics. Always use the coolant type recommended by GM (typically Dex-Cool or an equivalent approved by GM) and prepare a proper 50/50 mix with distilled water unless your manual specifies otherwise.
- Safety and preparation: park on a level surface, engine cold, and wear eye/hand protection. Have the correct coolant type and distilled water on hand.
- Initial fill: if your vehicle uses a pressurized expansion tank, fill the reservoir to the MAX line when the engine is cold. If your model has a separate radiator cap, you may need to remove the cap only when cold and fill the radiator first, then top off the reservoir.
- Bleeding air: start the engine with the cap off (or follow your service manual’s bleed procedure) and run at idle until the thermostat opens and the coolant level stabilizes. You may hear gurgling as air escapes; add coolant as needed.
- Heater check: with heater set to hot, ensure warm air is blowing, which helps push coolant through the heater core and remove air pockets.
- Final topping and inspection: once the engine reaches operating temperature and the system is stable, top off to the proper level in the reservoir (and radiator if applicable). Recheck after the engine cools and re-tighten caps if needed.
- Leaks and precautions: inspect hoses, clamps, radiator, and the water pump area for leaks. If you notice persistent leaks or a consistently low level, consult a mechanic for a pressure test.
Following these steps helps ensure the cooling system is properly filled and air-free, which is essential for optimal engine cooling and long-term reliability.
Notes and considerations
Always verify exact capacity for your specific vehicle by consulting the GM service information for your VIN/year, as there can be minor differences across production runs. When refilling, use the correct coolant type and a 50/50 mix with distilled water unless your manual specifies a different ratio or product. If you’re unsure about the bleed procedure, a service visit or a detailed factory manual can provide model-year-specific instructions.
Summary
For a Chevy Express 3500 with the 6.0L V8, anticipate a full cooling-system capacity of about 4–5 gallons (roughly 15–19 liters), with typical ranges of 16–20 quarts (4–5 gallons) depending on year and configuration. Use the GM-recommended coolant and a proper 50/50 mix, and follow safe bleeding and topping procedures to ensure the system is free of air pockets and leaks. Always consult your vehicle’s VIN-specific service information for the exact figure and procedure.
How much coolant does a 6.0 take?
The coolant capacity for a 6.0L Powerstroke diesel is approximately 27.5 quarts (almost 7 gallons), which includes the radiator, heater core, and coolant recovery tank. When performing a flush, the system should be refilled with a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water, following specific flushing procedures to remove old coolant and achieve the correct mixture.
This video demonstrates the process of flushing the 6.0L Powerstroke coolant system and how to refill it: 1mSynthetic Oil ProtectionYouTube · Jul 24, 2019
Coolant capacity
- Total system: Approximately 27.527.527.5 quarts (about 6.8756.8756.875 gallons), according to Hot Shot's Secret and RepairPal.
- Includes: The radiator, heater core, and coolant recovery tank.
Refilling and flushing
- Initial fill: After a complete flush, you will need to refill the system. For example, one method is to add 3 gallons of concentrate and then top it off with distilled water to reach a 50/50 mix.
- Final mix: A 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water is recommended for proper performance.
This video demonstrates a method for flushing the 6.0L Powerstroke coolant system: 44spowerstrokehelpYouTube · Dec 4, 2010
Important considerations
- EGR and oil coolers: The total capacity includes passages for the engine oil cooler and the EGR cooler, which is crucial for maintaining engine temperature.
- Flushing procedure: A thorough flush is essential. One method involves draining the old fluid, refilling with distilled water, running the engine to circulate the water, and repeating this process before the final fill.
- Air removal: After refilling, run the engine with the radiator cap off until the thermostat opens to remove air pockets.
What kind of coolant does a Chevy 3500 take?
ZEREX – G-05 Formula 50/50 Pre-Mixed RTU Antifreeze / Coolant, 1 Gallon (Part No. ZXG05RU1)
How many gallons does a Chevy Express 3500 hold?
Fuel & MPG
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded |
|---|---|
| Range in miles (city/hwy) | 0/0 mi. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 31.0 gal. |
How much coolant does a Chevy Express hold?
Coolant. Capacity: FR Heater With FOH14. 7 quarts.
