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jpconard
Dodge Dakota
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1/12/2009
23:29:11
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 Subject: Very small coolant leak...
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I have had a very small coolant leak for a while now (many months). In fact for a long time (many months) all I noticed was the reservoir going low every couple months or so, never saw any coolant on garage floor. Just the other day saw 1 spot on floor, looked to be only a drop or two (as I have painted epoxy floor so it can't soak in). When changing the oil yesterday, noticed some wetness on the exhaust where it crosses to the passenger side and Ys together with the other side exhaust.
When started that coolant burnt off quickly and now explains the occasional anti-freeze smell. But I've never noticed wet carpet, fogging out of vents or on glass or any of those kinds of things.
Mileage is 171000 and I've only had issues that I could deal with (never been to a dealer or shop, except for tires and ball joint inspection, and hail damage repair). Father-in-law has helped with some bigger items like front hubs (bad bearings). I've done all oil changes, brakes, spark plugs, water pump, thermostat, transmission drains/filters, door lock repair, etc. I've done a couple coolant flush & fills. Hate to take it to a shop for this, cost and worried about other issues that might be created.
What does this problem sound like? I've read the heater core is a pain. Have done that in a Olds car but that was just in center console, not removing entire dash.
Keep in mind coolant loss is very small, but may be getting worse, but then tonight after work noticed none on garage floor again (4 hours after being home).
If I would be forced to bypass heater core if leak would get much worse (although right now pretty cold outside), what tips are there for this?
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Joe.C
Dodge Dakota
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1/13/2009
14:04:38
|  RE: Very small coolant leak...
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Forget about trying to find it unless you useing dye. I had a coolant leak from the center of the fan belt.And becuase of the wind blast from the fan, you can't find it unless you look after you shut your engine off.
I had a water pump fixed,along with a hose clamp installed. And it still leaks along with a tire that was patched up;and it still leaks air to. But I guess that was becuase the old man that did the work just couldn't do it right.
Any-way good look in finding your leak
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shotof360
Dodge Dakota
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1/14/2009
01:49:23
| RE: Very small coolant leak...
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coolant leaks suck, just get your head in the engine comp and look around if you use a little blue LED flashlight it will make standard green coolant luminess without dye
if you want to bypass the heater core just to try it you only need to loop the hoses together with or without the heater valve still in line, dont just plug it off, let the coolant flow!
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Steven Roark
Dodge Dakota
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1/14/2009
11:41:54
| RE: Very small coolant leak...
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I wouldn't worry about it until it becomes a big leak.
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Greg
Dodge Dakota
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1/20/2009
21:19:14
| RE: Very small coolant leak...
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I don't know if you found your leak or not. Check the hose where the cap is located. A lot of the hoses crack very close to where the hose is molded into the plastic cap housing. It will not be obvious.
2000 Dakota sport 4.7L 190,000 miles and still truckin
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Bucket
GenII
1/20/2009
22:06:07
| RE: Very small coolant leak...
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If your getting coolant on your carpet i would venture its heater core related, i did the heater core on a 98 dak i own and it was absolutely brutal !! the entire dash had to come off,the steering wheel lowered and even then it was almost impossible to reach the 10 to 12 -5/16 bolts holding the plastic cover together just to get to the heater core, if i had to do it again....well...never mind i wouldnt do it again period, i would cut the lines in the engine compartment stuff them over a piece of copper pipe clamp em and get a 12 volt cab heater at harbor freight tools for 20 bucks. I hope in your case its not the heater core.
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