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coadman
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2004
22:39:00
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 Subject: 5.2 cracked head?
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My son had almost finalized a deal for a 1999 Dakota 4x4 with the 5.2 V-8. I took it to a dealer to have him check the brakes, ball joints, etc(problem areas on Dodge Dakotas from what I've read). The mechanic noticed it was idling rough when first started, then was better after the motor had warmed up. He also noticed the coolant level was down. He told me it could have a possible cracked head, which he said is common in this Dodge motor, which is letting the coolant leak into the cylider the burn off when it gets hot and the crack is closed by the heat, and it idles and runs better. Does this sound logical? He told me a new head would be approximately $1000 installed, but told me to monitor the coolant level for a few days then bring it back in. Now, we dont know what to do with the truck! My son loves it, but cant absorb a $1000 repair bill after just purchasing it. Any ideas?
thanks,
coadman
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Wadak
GenIII
6/14/2004
01:23:04
| RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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Check these guys out, they might be able to help you out:
http://www.headsonly.com/headsonly.makes/headsonly.makes.chrysler.htm
Cut and paste this location into your browser. They are located in Grand Prairie, Tx.
I f you dont want to do the work yourselfs find a shop who would be willing to work with company. They will want your old heads in exchange, they have a welding process to repair the cracks in the heads.
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coadman
Dodge Dakota
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6/14/2004
07:29:46
| RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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I ddnt see a 5.2 V8 listed in the 1999 yr range on that page,,,do they have more than is listed?
thanks,
coadman
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fluckyoubiatc
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
02:26:34
| RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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1992- to present 318 (5.2) use the same head
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coadman
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
07:27:01
| RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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Ok, now another couple of questons,,,Are these motors just naturally prone to problems with their heads? We may re-think our pontential purchurse if we may have this same issue in the future. Were the heads the problem, ie, poor materials, etc,,,newer heads any better than the older orginal,,,guess what Im asking is the replacement head we may purchase any better than the orginal? If this engines are prone to have head problems, why do so many people on here really like the trucks?
thanks,
coadman
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Old Fool
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
10:29:57
|  RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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the 318's aren't prone to head problems. of all the freinds I have with 318's and 360's the only ones that have had head problems are the ones running 8#'s or more of boost with a super charger. And then it isn't the head that gives up, it's the head gaskets. And in your case you may find the problem is only a head gasket and not a cracked head.
I have a 4.7L that goes in the shop next monday to have the right bank head replaced and the total cost will be $510 and it is an over head cam engine. I'm supplying the head myself so all I will have is labor. And it is not from a failure on Dodges part, it is because I broke a header bolt in the head and buggered up the hole tapping it out. Ouch!
Later,
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mechanic
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
16:14:25
| RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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coadman
might be just a rusted intake manifold gasket. 318's are prone to this if the da's don't change antifreeze, for anti rust properties.
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S Dave
Dodge Dakota
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6/15/2004
17:24:21
| RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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Coadman, the magnum heads are light weight casting which are common on all late model light trucks regardless of brand. These (at least the magnums do)heads can develop small hairline cracks that can leak water into the combustion chamber. I had a 94 Dakota that had a head that had developed a crack on the outside of the head over the number one sparkplug. But don't worry there is an easy fix for this. Go to Advance Auto Parts and get a couple of bottles of Liquid Copper made by Bars Leaks. It has a liquid glass formula and will permanently fix a cracked head as well as fix cracked blocks and leaking radiators. One bottle will supposedly work on cooling systems up to 6 gallons, but I would get two to make sure it covered it. One bottle is 4 dollars, so you would 8 dollars in it. The sparkplug may need to be replaced if there is still a light skip to it.If this doesn't fix it, you could have a bad head gasket or intake gasket. Flush the radiator of all engine coolant so that remaining water is clear. Pour in the the liquid copper and allow the engine to run for about 30 minutes. Crack will now be repaired. I had sprayed some green spray paint on my head to better see the crack. I watched it fill in the crack and the water that had leaked out dry off. I never had any more trouble with the head and I know I put another 150,000 miles on the truck afer that. Repeat, this a permanent fix to a cracked head. There may be some cracks that it may can't repair if they are bad enough, but I haven't seen one yet not that isn't one. But for 8 dollars it is worth a shot.
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coadman
Dodge Dakota
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6/18/2004
09:38:05
|  RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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Apprantly we found out the coolant leak was from a thermostat gasket leak, not a cracked head. I'm happy it wasnt the head,,lot less dollars out of my pocket! The truck still idles "rough" when first started, then smooths out when engine warms up, the mechanic working on it is kind of confused as to what is causing this. He said possibly the Helix power-tower that is on the truck could possibly be causing the idle to be rough, but isnt sure. It runs fine out on the road. Anybody have have info on the Helix, as it was on the truck when we got it, and I dont know much info on them.
thanks,
coadman
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Sephiroth
Dodge Dakota
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6/18/2004
12:08:24
|  RE: 5.2 cracked head?
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I'd also check the air-filter (clean?) and O2 sensors. My friend has a '96 F150 and one O2 sensor has died on him. Now he has to give it fuel to keep it idling when cold, but when it warms up it is fine.
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