So I did a search, and didn't turn up anything like my problem.

The Dakota....'91, pre-magger v-6, 70k miles. It's had the water pump done recently(previous owner), fresh hoses, new radiator(last month). I've had the front of the motor apart twice for the timing chain(LONG LONG story! lol).

I've noticed off and on since I bought the truck this summer that it seems to always have some coolant on top of the block, pooled up around the thermostat neck, on the timing cover, and the whole general area...enough that it's dripping down on the ground.

I can get some pictures if it would better help explain.

Here's what I'm thinking it may be
-Bad upper hose(the one on there now is stretched pretty large to get around the thermostat neck, looks out of place to me)
-Possibly the thermostat is not seated right, although I think I would have more of a coolant leak than I am seeing.

Anybody have anything like this happen, or any other thoughts?

Thanks!
-Mike

 

There are several posibiltys. I had a simalar leak it turned out to be the coolent gauge sensor leaking. The best and easyest way to find a leak is to get the UV light dection kit. $30 or so. You just wash the engine bay and poor in the UV fuild. Then run the engine a bit till it leaks. Use the UV glasses and light to see where it is shining from. But if you think the hose is worn replace it before it fails and leaves you stranded!

 

hmmm....I hadn't thought of the sensor, I will definitely check on it too, thanks!! :-) I guess that could explain why the gauge has been acting funny(moves around a LOT when I'm driving). Considering some of the other issues i've come across on the poor thing, a new hose couldn't hurt, either.

I'll have to try the UV kit too, that sounds like a good idea....

Thanks!
-Mike