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Neil W
Dodge Dakota
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2/01/2005
20:47:57

Subject: coolant loss
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Has anybody got ideas?
I keep having to top up my rad every few days(just a cup or 2).Whenever I get out I can smell antifreeze at the front of the truck but I can't find where it is going.There is never any on the ground underneath and I never see it dripping.Changed the rad cap in case it as leaking but that didn't help.It runs smooth,idles fine,oil level never changes so I'm sure it isn't leaking into there;never at a loss for power.
Any ideas from somebody with more engine knowledge would be a greatly appreciated help.
I have a 98 4x4 Sport with a 5.2 engine.




ROD
GenIII
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2/02/2005
05:53:05

RE: coolant loss
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I'm by no means a mechanic, but I did have a Chevy Astro several years ago that was losing coolant and I would get a whiff of anti-freeze smell occasionally for months. I couldn't find where it was leaking from. I was changing the oil one day when I noticed a discoloration on the side of the block. The coolant was leaking from around a freeze plug and evaporating before it could drip onto the ground.

'02 QC AWD 4.7L 4X4 LSD

al
Dodge Dakota
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2/03/2005
06:29:51

RE: coolant loss
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check around thermostat housing real good.



TONY
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2007
00:15:45

RE: coolant loss
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i had same problem i had a cracked head and bad head gasket but no sign of antifreeze in oil and it did not smoke out of exaust



OBIO3
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2007
04:17:20

RE: coolant loss
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The freeze plug is a good thought to follow up on. Check them all. You can not see to check the one on the back of the engine. Also When I have a leak situation as yours, I Go through anything and everything that carries coolant. Keep in mind your most likely looking for a stain rather then liquid. If you was to check it out with a hot engine. the cooling system will have pressure in it. This may help you to find it by showing a spot of liquid before it has a chance to dry. Also check under your carpets . Might be your heater core.




Kenkura
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2007
07:02:08

RE: coolant loss
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Well I've had quite a time with my cooling systemn on my day water pump bearings gone out replaced all hoses thermostat and 1 freeze plug by my oil filter was shot to hell (some jack ass that owned it before ran it on pure water for a while ; ;) but I had the issue of leaking coolant a few time just minor leak where you coudl smell but none on the ground 1 was upper rad. hose wasnt on tight enough (it was on pretty darn tight too) and coolany came out at the thermostat and ended up resting ontop of the water pump houseing the little flat spot (not on the acctual pump but the part of the block right behind it) was a rather hard spot to nice it and it usually evaperated pretty quickly, 2nd one I had was the heater lines run right over the exhaust manifolds and one of them was slowly dripping right on the manifold left really no signs of it being there cept maybe a lil discoloration on the manifold but for starters I'd check hoses make sure they're fine if any bulging and what not replace them and then re-tighten all the hose clamps just to be safe. and a freeze plug is nto a fun one to have go out if it goes like mine it was just dumping coolant out when it went and well I could never see the freeze plug even doing oil changes and such so never saw any signs of it beforehand but if those go it should be a rather ntoicable leak leaving a small or large puddle on the ground



.boB
Dodge Dakota
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2/18/2007
15:54:54

RE: coolant loss
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Slow leaks like that can be very difficult to find. The water evaporates from the heat if the engine.

Go to NAPA and get some tracer dye. It shows up with a black light even when dry.



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