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Remonethec
Dodge Dakota
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11/20/2008
23:09:18

Subject: Leaking Antifreeze 2000 3.9
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I have a 2000 3.9l 2wd dakota and recently replaced water pump w/o replacing the upper bypass hose. I had a small leak from the middle of the engine, dripping off the oil pan between where the starter is. The upper hose blew and ran hot. I replace the upper hose but the leak is still there. I'm confused now, anybody got any suggestions?



J and J Auto
GenII
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12/03/2008
01:55:24

RE: Leaking Antifreeze 2000 3.9
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frezee plug posably

Larry
J&J Auto

wadak
GenIII
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12/03/2008
10:08:48

RE: Leaking Antifreeze 2000 3.9
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Remonethec,

If your truck still had the original hoses when you replaced the water pump you need to change the waterpump bypass hose. Most hoses are likely to fail in the fifth year of operation. Most hoses will rot from the inside out. A hose may look ok from the outside and may not leak, but if it's the original hose and you disturb or move it after several years of operation, you will tramatize that hose and severely weaken it.

"'m having a similar problem, I just replace the upper bypass hose that blew out. I'm still having a small leak only when the vehicle runs, but the drip is coming from the middle of the under carriage, dripping from above the starter and oil pan. I can't see above the starter to really tell where it's coming from. Anybody with any answers." I read this post under PanelDeland, as already mentioned it could be a freeze plug leaking from the underside of the block. Check out the following link to learn more about a freeze plug:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeze_plug

Another possibility, dont forget about your heater hoses, they can start leak near the firewall and drip far from the point of the original leak, same thing with a leaky bypass hose and bottom radiator hose.

Here's my maintenance philosophy on water pump failure:

I have found that most water pumps that leave the factory in good condition will usually last between 75,000 and 100,000 miles --if proper cooling system maintenance is performed. Generally when a waterpump starts to leak it's a sign that the water pump bearing is going bad. When the water pump starts to fail, what else is likely to fail next; radiator hose, fan belt, heater hose? So when I replace a water pump all hoses and belts (or serpentine) gets replaced. By time you take everthing apart your only a few more bolts away from taking the timming cover off. You might as well replace the timing gears and chain, while your at it consider replacing the fan clutch and have the radiator cleaned out and pressure tested or replace the radiator. This may process may sound a little extreme, but it has served me well for many years.

If you live in a cold climate where you experience the extreme temperatures of winter and summer it's even more important to properly maintain your vehicle.

Lets talk about batteries for a minute, here is a good way to check it. Have someone crank your vehicle over with a volt meter connected to check voltage, if the voltage drops below 9.5 volts "under load" you may want to consider replacing your battery. A fully charged batteries voltage will read 13.5 volts at the terminals with no load. As the battery ages, it will begin to build up internal resistance reducing power output. The half power point is defined as the voltage 13.5 x .707 = 9.5 volts. Remember as the temperature drops your battery looses efficiency (specific gravity). If you live in a cold climate like I do (as well as Larry J and J) it become very important to maintain a good battery with lots of "reserve" power in the winter time. Imagine living in Alaska working at a remote location during the winter where temperatures will drop to 40 below zero and you have to leave your vehicle outside without a "block heator" will it start in the morning or the middle of the night if your call 24/7.

Remonethec and others, I hope you find all the information helpful. I am by no means an auto expert. But years of experience has taught me well living out West in the cold hope important good auto maintenece is especially in cild weather.

Wadak





polywog
Dodge Dakota
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12/13/2008
18:33:24

RE: Leaking Antifreeze 2000 3.9
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i had an antifreeze leak in the same spot on my 99 2wd dak. was told it was the timing belt gasket. several so called experts said they never heard of a timing belt gasket leaking antifreeze. well low and behold the gasket does cover ports in the top left and right corners of the gasket. problem solved



drive it
Dodge Dakota
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12/13/2008
21:53:15

RE: Leaking Antifreeze 2000 3.9
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having you been driving it since the gas went up ..if you leave it sitting you will have problems



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