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no_mechanic
Dodge Dakota
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10/18/2005
05:37:54
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 Subject: missing coolant
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Message:
I have a 92 dak 4x4 5.2L 318 auto.
My question is... I seem to be losing coolant but I don't see signs of a leak (nothing on the driveway). The truck runs fine, but I have to watch the coolant level in the reservoir, and have added 2 quarts in the past month.
I was talking to one of the guys at work today and he said it could be a sign that my head gasket is about to give out? I havent noticed any signs of coolant in the oil/oil in the coolant.
I bought this truck 2 years ago and the AC never worked. Could this be part of the problem? But the heater works fine. I want to put in a new thermostat too, to see if it will help, which one do I need? I live in the cold part of Canada, and winter is coming....
I appreciate any advice! Thanks
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davec
Dodge Dakota
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10/18/2005
15:39:53
| RE: missing coolant
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Message:
There is a good chance you may have a head gasket failing. You won't always see oil in the coolant. The coolant may be seeping into the combustion chamber then being burnt. Do you notice any white smoke??? You need to have the cooling system pressure tested for a leak. Make sure that the test is done when the engine is cold as well as when it is hot.
Also what you might want to try (cold and hot) is pressurize the system, then leave the tester on for awhile (under pressure). Take the tester off and start the truck and look for white smoke. If nothing else, remove the spark plugs and see if one looks real clean. If coolant gets in a cylinder it will actually steam clean the cylinder as well as the plug.
Hope this helps...
Dave
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OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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10/18/2005
18:11:30
| RE: missing coolant
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Message:
Radiator cap >
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no_mechanic
Dodge Dakota
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10/21/2005
00:06:51
| RE: missing coolant
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Message:
Thanks, I bought a new rad cap I'll put it on tomorrow, hopefully that's the easy fix. If I am going to lose my head gasket, how long do I have before it gives out? Some time to save some money would be nice, from what I understand it's a major repair.
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OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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10/21/2005
14:02:57
| RE: missing coolant
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Message:
If in fact your losing anti freeze through a head gasket it has already gave out and if you continue to drive it this way dammage can occure > If it is leaking into your oil pan, after running a spell you will have grey oil on your dipstick > If your losing it into a cylender you should see bubbles in your radiator and if not leaking enough to detect this way take it to a shop > They have a checker that will indicat if you have exaust gas in your anti freeze > Good luck >
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