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JimB
GenIII
1/28/2002
09:40:30
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 Subject: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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(I posted this in the general board as well -- thought I'd try in here too). Just about every 30 days, I check the reserve tank of my 99 Durango (5.9) and it’s down about a half a gallon. No leaks on the ground. No “puddles” in the engine area, although there is a slight build-up of crud around the thermostat. My neighbor (who seems to know everything about everything), says it sounds to him like a blown head gasket. Jeeschk! I am hoping this isn’t the case – and I hope someone could shed some light on this phenomenon for me. What could be causing this? - Jim
99 SY 3.9 Dakota Sport
99 PB 5.9 Durango SLT
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B
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/29/2002
17:42:16
|  RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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I had the same thing . Nothing visible, faint ati-freeze smell. Took it in for coolant flush/fill and had atiny tear in thermostat gasket.
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b good
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
1/29/2002
22:04:28
|  RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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Don't worry about your head gaskets, if they were blown you'd have one or more of the following symtoms; runs very rough. extreme white smoke out of tail pipe. excessive pressure in cooling system. coolant in your oil [ looks like chocolate milk]. Constantly overheating. I'm sure your truck does none of these. Fix your slight leak at your t-stat housing, and if that does'nt stop the loss, have your cooling system pressure checked,should'nt cost more than a half hour labor at any repair shop.
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JimB
GenIII
1/30/2002
13:20:19
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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Thanks guys.... love this website. Always get some great advice -- vs. the advice I get in the driveway from a neighbor who doesn't know squat! - Jim
99 SY 3.9 Dakota Sport
99 PB 5.9 Durango SLT
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ChrisW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/27/2005
15:58:02
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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Message:
JimB,...Did you ever find the cause of your missing coolant? I have a 5.9 98 doing the same thing.
Thanks Chris
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/27/2005
16:09:36
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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Message:
Chris, you should have started your own post instead of diggin up a 3yr old post.
Anyway, do you see any fluid leaking anywhere on the truck? It could be leaking in several different places. have you done any of the things recommended in the earlier posts?
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ChrisW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/27/2005
17:42:30
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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Thanks for the return. I know its an old post, but I was hoping JimB might have an answer by now. Yes I have checked all the obvious. Will just try a new radiator cap before rigging up a pressure checker. Thanks
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/27/2005
19:35:02
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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so you don't "see" it leaking anywhere? do you notice any white smoke/steam from the exhaust?
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Peter
Dodge Dakota
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10/28/2005
11:16:37
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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I had a faint antifreeze smell every time I turned on the vents or a/c, and it ended up being the thermostat gasket. I've heard that the original gaskets are very prone to leaking. I was able to see some moisture down there when I used a flashlight.
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Anderson
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/20/2005
14:11:34
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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Had same problem with my 98'dakota.Never saw a puddle.My belt would always squeel at first startup and then faid out. Got bad enough where I could see it a little behind the pump.(Took 3yrs to catch).Replaced the pump and there was a small crack in the gasket, just in front of the thermostat.No problems since.
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WardenJ
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/21/2005
01:24:41
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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My 99 was slowly leaking coolant from the t-stat housing because some mechanic didnt torque the bolts properly when I had them do the plenum pan replacement....can't get good help these days.
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pacman
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/21/2005
19:40:40
| RE: Coolant Loss Opinions....
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Message:
The factory repair manual says coolant loss due to evaporation is normal. My 2000 R/T loses a bit. But then there was the time just recently when I found at least 3 of the freeze plugs were leaking but not dripping onto the ground. Maybe because the engine heat was drying it out? I word yo the wise about freeze plugs: Use only Mopar Plugs!! I had a bad experience with Napa plugs.
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