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Phillip Murph
Dodge Dakota
8/02/2001
09:58:03
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 Subject: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
Hello all! I just purchased a used Dakota this week, so I am new to the board. I have read all the current messages and have learned a lot - thanks!
First, what I got... 1999 Dakota SLT Club Cab, 5.2L V8 Magnum, Black, 21,000 miles.
Now my questions...
1. I have noticed the slight "pinging" that many others have discussed. The truck is still under warranty, so should I take it to a dealer and have them fix the problem or should I add the 180 degree thermostat and new plugs myself? And, can they fix it if I give them the proper TSBs (which I have one)?
2. How can I tell if the "pan gasket" is leaking? I have read the posts, but am not sure where to look, so specifics would help.
3. Since this truck goes out of warranty fairly soon, what else should I be looking for that typically causes problem on this year/engine so I can take care of it before the warranty is gone?
Thanks for all the great information and help,
Phillip
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Rascal
Dodge Dakota
8/02/2001
11:20:29
|  RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
Hey Phillip and welcome.
I am also new to the board, (about 3 weeks), and just inherited a truck that is a lot like yours.
Mine is a 98 SLT CC 5.2 automatic black with a hard SnugTop cover on the bed.
Mine does not leak at the pan, so if you have a leak, check the oil filter first...I would be surprised if you have a pan gasket leak.
I have changed out my t-stat and run middle grade gas as well as changed out the plugs to the slightly cooler Autolite 3923 and no pinging at all. I have also added a Perma-Cool 16" fan..nice and cool running now, even in Atlanta.
I do not know of any peculiarities of this model. I have added a homemade K&N air filter and replaced my shocks with Edelbrocks. It seems everthing I do to this makes such a good difference to an already great truck. My 98 has 62,000 miles on it and I could not be happier.
I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.
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Manuel
Dodge Dakota
8/02/2001
12:42:13
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
I have two pieces of advice before your warranty runs out. The first is to make sure your brakes and rotors are still in good shape, the warranty on those run out at 24k, I believe. The next thing to be aware of are the upper and lower ball joints. Make sure those are within tolerance before your warranty runs out. Brakes plus is a good place to have these things checked out. I went in for pad replacement and they said they were still good, but I needed to have ball joints replaced. Didn't charge me a dime. Not to be confused with Just Brakes (these guys are very bad).
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Phillip Murph
Dodge Dakota
8/03/2001
10:11:31
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
Rascal, thanks for the tips. I went out and got the K&N and put it in last night. Also tackled the knuckle-busting job of changing out the spark plugs with 3923s. The engine certainly seems to run better, but we will see song term. I got the themostat, but am really dreading doin that one.
The oil leak I was referring to is not external, but an internal leak that people on the board refer to as the "bell pan gasket." I am not sure how to tell if it is leaking.
Manuel, I checked my warranty and the brakes warranty is only 12,000 miles, unfortunately. I will check the ball joints.
Thanks for the help,
Phillip
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rEID tARDO
Dodge Dakota
8/03/2001
11:44:54
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
Supposedly if you take off your airhat and look down the throttle body with a flashlight you will see little puddles of oil if you have the leak
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Kenny
Dodge Dakota
8/22/2001
23:37:55
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
Phillip,
Take your truck to the dealer and tell them that your warranty is about to run out and you want them to look the truck over and fix anything that is not right and is covered under warranty. You'll pay the dealer about an hour in labor costs just to look it over but I guarentee you that they will find things wrong with your truck knowing it will be fixed under the warrantee. Even things like a A/C hose that might have a small leak that would go out months later.You'll save hundreds and should have some trouble free driving for months or years to come.
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umStefa
Dodge Dakota
8/23/2001
01:38:52
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
Personaly, I wouldn't take the truck to the dealer right away (don't trust most dealers). Take it to a mechanic you trust, and have that person look it over and tell you what's wrong (labour rate will be cheaper too.). Then take it to the dealer, find out whats still under warrenty and have them fix it.
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D.W.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/14/2002
19:33:06
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
HELLO! I HAVE A 2000 DAKOTO SLT V6 WITH 46K ON HER.I REPLACED THE PLUGS WITH AUTOLITES AND IT STILL SEEMS TO BE IDILING POOR OR MISSING A LITTLE, ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
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Bruce P
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/14/2002
20:09:55
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
(D.W.) Certainly cleaning the TB and IAC would be a good start.
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Dak318
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
9/14/2002
20:42:04
| RE: New Dakoto Owner - Couple of Questions
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Message:
DW,
Get a new Ignition Coil.
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