I have a 2001 Durango with the 4.7 motor 2 wheel drive. 3 months ago it over heated and I noticed all the coolant leaking out as fast as I put it in and took to a local shop. I was told 2 of the freeze plugs have rusted out and need to be replaced, $1785.00 later all is working and running good again (which I lifted the hood for the first time today since we got our back and saw where the mechanic had forgot to put the air filter back in and left the system open to suck all kinds of dirt, great my fault for not checking behind them I guess ).

Two days ago my engine light comes on and this morning my wife is on the way home and it over heated. She pulled over and we had it towed back to the house.

Once it cooled down I first filled the coolant system back up to see if it was pouring back out again like last time. Nope not a single drop comes out. I sealed it back up and start the motor. Again notice nothing is leaking.

But first thing I did notice is the engine idle is going up and down which had not noticed that before. When I would give it some gas it was sounding as if it was not hitting on all cylinders or like in the old days when you would mix the spark plug wires up and everything was missing firing.

Then I hear the coolant running out from under the car, I look under to see where it may be coming from and all I see is fluid leaking like mad out the muffler welds and several places on the exhaust system and blowing out the pipe, WTH ???

I read that its one of three things Head, Block or Head Gasket. My question is I am no mechanic but could be anything else? Also if it is one of these three is there a way to tell which one it may be far short of tearing the motor down.


Stay @ Home Dad
Virginia Beach, VA.

 

That sounds like some severely damaged heads, not to mention if there was water it the oil. At a minimum the the heads are going to have to be taken off and checked (most likely replaced). Check the oil (drain it) and check for water. You should give that shop a good **** chewing at a minimum. How the hell do you forget the f******* air filter?

 

Sounds like you need a new mechanic dude!!! I would agree, the heads sound like they are done. With any luck, it could be just a head gasket.

 

Take it back.

$1800 for two replacement freeze plugs? Wow what a rip off.

Depending on where the plugs were, they may have had to lift the motor to get to them, remove parts to get to them, etc. Sounds like they didn't put it back correctly or damaged something when they did.

Once you get it fixed for what you have already paid, THEN go find a new mechanic.

IndyDurango

 

+1 Get it back to the service tech and see what they can do first. Start out by documenting EVERYTHING including receipts, dates & times of phone calls made, who you spoke to, etc. It'll help when it comes time to push harder.

1700+ sounds like a lot for freeze plugs to me as well, although some are hidden pretty well. Have them explain EXACTLY where they were and what was required to replace them.

Bob

 

Thanks for all the comments. When they did replace them I was told they were the two on the back side of the motor. The way it was explained to me was the motor did have to be pulled out to be able to get to the two that needed to be replaced.

I am just pissed at the way I found the air filter still opened. That’s the kind of mistake a stay @ home dad like me would make.

Now that I have spent all this money 3 months ago it seems it was wasted since I may have a cracked head or block now.

When it rains it pours.

 

Well, I would still try to fight it, at least you know where NOT to take the D back for maintenance. Definitely check the area before you take off and show them their mistake. Also check the forum next time before you spend money. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience with the D, we maybe able to help or at least get you started in the right direction.

 

That does suck. As far as troubleshooting it, you obviously have at least a blown head gasket (or both) so it needs to be torn down anyways. Doubtful that the block cracked as the aluminum head will usually warp / crack first, not that it really matters at this point.

Running it now is only going to cause further damage, as the oil will be contaminated with water and will affect bearing wear. Also if it's leaking that badly you stand a chance of hydraulic-locking one of the cylinders and throwing a rod. Evaluate where you are with the vehicle and decide if it's financially worth repairing to you. Replacement engines are often more cost effective than rebuilds, especially when you're not doing the work for yourself. Labor hours inside a motor with unknown problems add up real quickly.

Heads / gaskets are time consuming but can be done in the vehicle. There are multiple posts on here about doing them, and I'd also recommend getting a Haynes manual to follow if you decide to tackle it yourself.

Good luck, and feel free to ask questions here!

Bob