| From | Message |
Darryl
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/17/2003
14:04:38
|
 Subject: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
(99 cc V6 auto 37500 miles):
I have a small coolant leak that drips down from the harmonic balancer. I think its coming from around the water pump but not 100% sure. It only drips a small amount, about the size of a dime every 24 hrs. Anybody have any thoughts, my extended warranty is still good, but I don't want to deal with it if it's a common problem.
Thanks
Darryl
|
Les L.
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/17/2003
14:17:14
|  RE: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
There is a weep hole in the water pump housing that may be the source of the coolant. Weepage from this hole is indicative of a seal failure. The hole is located on the bottom of the housing extension between pulley and the main body of the pump. It is a single casting but that is the best way to describe the location of the hole. The hole is about 1/8 inch in diameter. Any fluid in this area is likely from the weep hole. Replace pump!
If the weep hole area is dry, look elsewhere.
Luck!
|
ddak98
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/17/2003
14:26:40
| RE: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 98 Dakota 4x4 with the V6 magnum and had the same problem around 102,000 miles. There was a small leak of coolant around the front of the engine, my first thought was the coolant pump. After replacing the pump the leak continued. I then replaced the coolant bypass hose going from the pump to the block, thinking it had a hole or crack in it. NOPE!! Turns out it was the front end seals on the intake manifold. I bought the whole new set for about 35 dollars and went to work. 3 hours later it was done and I havent had a single drop yet. By the way if you change the intake manifold gaskets, you should change the pelnum gasket also, its the pan under the manifold.
Hope this helps
|
Darryl
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/17/2003
15:01:27
| RE: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks guys, those were 2 of the most detailed answers I could hope for....Time to check it out.
Thanks Again
Darryl
|
JDAWG
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/17/2003
17:22:15
| RE: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
had the same problem on my 96 at first glance it looked like it was coming from the crankshaft pulley area but further investigation proved to be wromg the weep hole is hidden behind the pulley and you cant see it unless you pull off the pump.it runs down and gets all over the place good luck with your project ..
|
Black Dog
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2003
00:05:58
|  RE: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
JDAWG is right. You can't see it unless you crawl underneath. Get on your back with a rag. You may have to remove a cowling to see the harmonic balancer clearly. Directly above the main crank is the neck of the water pump. You know your looking at it because you see the shaft that bolts to the fan/viscous clutch assmbly. It is easier to feel for the hole while standing in front of the radiator now that you know where to feel. Dry it with the rag and warm up the engine. Turn off the motor or break a nail. Feel the weep hole with your fingers. If IT is wet, plan on tearing down the front end of the motor. If you have hi miles (like 60-80k or higher) the pump has come to the end of its life as the rubber seals have worn and served you well. It is a good idea to do the Timing Chain and gear update at this time (they are at the end of their life too). I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT since you got it torn down enough to easily slap on the timing components. I wouldn't want you to do a good job on the water pump replacement and then later either choose to or need to do a timing chain/gear job and mess up your fine work. Worn chains will kill your engine and that could be real hard on the cash flow situation. See the post called double roller chain vs tensioner or something like that if you want a good idea of what you are in for. The water pump costs about 40, Gasket set costs about 20 (about, I forget), Good Double roller costs about 40. There is a tensioner upgrade I don't recomend because all it does is quiet a noisy stock chain and add weight. I found that a double roller set up is quieter than stock anyway.
Have fun
|
Daddy-D
*GenIII*
2/20/2003
09:17:47
| RE: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
It's the water pump.
Save yourself lots of grief and get a set of inspection mirrors (Craftsman are pretty good). I simply adjusted the length/angle and was able to see my weeping water pump in a jiff - without having to crawl under the truck.
'98 DakSport C/C 3.9 2WD A/T
|
Darryl
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/20/2003
21:04:41
| RE: Coolant leak front of engine?
IP: Logged
Message:
Well guys, it turned out to be the t-stat. I called my dealer and they said they are aware of this problem, but they were not going to help. So I just finished it and while I was there, I put on a 180* RS stat, hey maybe things happen for a reason!
Much thanks to all,
Darryl
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
