1st Gen Durango 1998 - 2003 Durango's

Replaced radiator cap after leak...still a small leak

Old Jul 16, 2011 | 04:45 PM
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Default Replaced radiator cap after leak...still a small leak

Whats up folks? Well on my 02 with the 4.7L realized I had a coolant leak coming right from the cap...this was still the factory 21 PSI cap that it came with. Got a replacement from Autozone...but it's 20 PSI...I figure 1 PSI is not going to make a difference? Well it still seems like a have a very small leak...looks like just a very small drip here and there, and it looks like it is coming from the part that the radiator cap is screwed onto...you know it's a piece that joins the two parts of the upper radiator hose...looks like it's coming from the bottom of that part...truck has been running fine, and cool...no temp problems what so ever...so do I need another cap? Or maybe a new upper radiator hose with that little interconnect piece? Whaya guys think?
 
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Old Jul 16, 2011 | 10:31 PM
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That hose stinks and it does fail. Simply get a new one, Mopar/Dealer replacement only, and swap it out. It costs about $50 and is SUPERIOR to anything you will find as a drop in aftermarket rubber hose. Reburp your system thereafter since you have a 4.7l.

Oh yea, it comes with a new rad cap too. No worries there, thereafter.

IndyDurango
 
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Old Jul 17, 2011 | 12:24 PM
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Thanks Indy...I take it I am going to have to drain the cooling system of all the coolant to change out this part? Or can I get away with out having to drain?
 
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Old Jul 17, 2011 | 01:31 PM
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if you are just changing the upper hose with the cap i see no reason why you cant just drain enough to get that hose empty, however if the system has never been drained/flushed i would do it anyway just bc its overdue
 
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Old Jul 17, 2011 | 03:31 PM
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yeah just took it on another trip...when I got home and popped the hood, it was leaking again...not a whole lot...seems like it is just a slow drip..and it is not coming from the new radiator cap...but from the piece that the radiator cap screws on to....if I run my fingers along the bottom of this piece it is wet...maybe I just need to burp the system since I replaced the cap from the other day? Or maybe just need to replace that piece like Indy said...just a pain in the but..
 
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Old Jul 17, 2011 | 06:15 PM
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you need to burp the system, but you also need to replace that piece first, burping only gets air out of the system nothing more nothing less, that piece is still leaking even if you burp the system.
 
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Old Jul 17, 2011 | 06:34 PM
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I just went through this and I can definitely concur on the whole Mopar ONLY choice on the upper radiator hose. Save yourself the money and frustration I wasted and get the dealer part. I drained about a quart or so out of the radiator, changed the hose, refilled the reservoir, and burped the system. Good to go. Good luck
 
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Old Jul 19, 2011 | 07:46 PM
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Well problem solved. I ended up taking my truck to a local garage, this korean guy who has had this business for 20 years and does real good work...I just did not feel like messing with it this time...I have a hectic schedule and have just been really tired lately..he replaced the upper hose and the part with the radiator cap for $80 out the door...not bad I would say, and yes he used the Mopar part. I asked him if he had burped the system, his simple reply was "oh yeah...4.7L..me burp for sure!"....funny stuff. Anyhow I looked at it when I got home..seems like the hose is a good deal bigger in diameter, and just all around a better part than what came on it from the factory. All is well again!
 

Last edited by Tshane72; Jul 19, 2011 at 07:48 PM.
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Old Jul 19, 2011 | 09:52 PM
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U wan doc teppa for drink?????.........LMFAO


Hey for $80 bucks and Mopar parts I say why not........
 
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Old Jul 19, 2011 | 11:07 PM
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Should have been the same part so the difference in size is puzzling.

As for the cost, the part is $50 or so leaving $30 in labor which is right at a 1/2 hour. Sounds perfectly correct.

IndyD
 
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