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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2005
15:46:19
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 Subject: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
I went to Lowes today. When I was leaving I noticed coolant under my 1994 Dak. It was only a few ounces, but I checked anyway. The only place I could see any coolant was 2 drops hanging on the balancer.
After I drove home it didn't leak anymore.
I figured I'd tighten the bolts on the water pump.
There was one bolt that was very loose, about 2 turns. But it didn't feel like a mounting bolt. It doesn't look like a mounting bolt as it has no washer like the rest.
This bolt I'm questioning is on the passenger side.
Looking from underneath, there are 3 bolt heads toghether. This one is in the middle, under the hose and above the balancer.
So guys, is this bolt anything special???
BTW, it was 70+ degrees today.
Thanks
zzark
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Joe M.
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2005
19:21:39
|  RE: Need help with coolant leak
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zzark
just for the hell of it did you check if the pump bearing/seal was worn also?
(will also cause a drip)
grab the fan firmly and see if you can lift it up and down/side to side
last time i found a small leak thats were it was coming from
oww and before the smart azz's jump in
engine not running of course
i know you knew that but seems we got a few smart ass kids on here lately
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2005
19:41:27
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Joe M.
I looked in that area, but didn't see any fluid.
OK, I'll try that, but it is now dark and gloomy...
Will the fan have ANY play? How much play is acceptable?
Thanks Joe M.
zzark
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2005
19:54:01
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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the waterpump shaft should have no play. if it's not from the weep hole on the waterpump it could be the by-pass hose.
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/13/2005
23:22:11
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Where is the weep hole?
Is that the bolt I mentioned?
Thanks
zzark
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Joe M.
Dodge Dakota
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11/14/2005
00:06:01
|  RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
yep just like daddio said no play
its not actually the fan your checking
your feeling for movement in the pump shaft
and you want none at all
sometime they'll also drip/weep a bit more when doing this
(not saying its your cause)
but its one more thing to check
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shdow
Dodge Dakota
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11/14/2005
07:47:06
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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try tightnen the hose clamps check the hoses I have had pin holes from age on other cars
check the thermostat flange housing (gasket might be leaking or bolts loose)
also check the radiator fluid for black specs
could be a head gasket leak (worst case scenerio)
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chris
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2005
15:07:06
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
i had the same problem,eneded up being the heater hose, it was bareley leaking. i couldnt really see it at first but it got worse over time
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Egg_Raid
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
01:04:43
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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I have a little leak I live with. Need to top off my rad every month. Freeze plug is my suspected culprit.
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
06:31:03
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
Strange little leak.
Some days it leaks, some days it doesn't.
Still can't find it.
I'll just have to wait til it gets worse.
(probably in the dead of winter)
zzark
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
11:52:04
| coolant leak Part 2
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Message:
I think it is the radiator.
What are the thoughts on stop leak??
If it is OK, what brand should I get?
Thanks
zzark
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
14:29:44
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
I Googled "radiator stop leak"
Looks like it is a bad idea.
An 11 year old truck could probably use a new radiator.
Anyone want to suggest a brand of radiator?
zzark
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
15:40:05
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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I'm wrong again. Not the radiator.
The leak is coming from the front of the water pump.
How much of a job is replacing the pump?
Or can the seal be fixed?
Any special tools needed?
Thanks
zzark
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jacko
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
18:13:46
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
where is the freeze plug?
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
20:05:19
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
zz, it's not a hard job just time consuming because you've gotta remove just about every accesory on the front of the engine to get to it. and if you do it yourself, i recommend changing the tstat and the bypass hose.
jacko, there are several freeze plugs on the engine block, front, side & back and if memory serves me right 2 on the heads, one in each end of the head.
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zzark
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
20:17:58
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
Thanks daddio.
I did some online research, doesn't look too easy either. But I'm a DIY'er and I'll try anything once.
I already got the bypass hose and pump gasket. I had to order the pump, but it will be here tomorrow, Friday.
Two weeks ago, I changed the 180 to a 195 t-stat.
I didn't like the LOW temp of the 180, and winter just got here today. So, I'm going to freeze while I fix the water pump.
And last week it was 70+ :(
zzark
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
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11/17/2005
20:41:00
| RE: Need help with coolant leak
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Message:
do yourself a favor and buy a Haynes repair manual. it's not the best but will get ya out of a bind.
the tstat, i went back to a 195. my truck didn't like the 180. it never gets to 210(middle), even in the hot south louisiana summer. and that's w/o the clutch fan too.
it was in the mid 80's here last week and it's supposed to be 34 tonite. i hate winter!!!!!
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