To the Dodge gents,
Monday night I noticed a small leak under radiator. O suspected oil and water.
The next day the belt started whining. I suspected water pump. Took it to mechanic he opened radiator cap and yellow sludge was around the stick. Kind of sandy. The main radiator hose cap was opened and the skudge was there too.

My mechanic then took water to the radiator and it kept bringing the sludge up. He then suggested head gasket.

My truck did not and was not overheating. No check engine. No leaks and clean under the hood. the lol dipstick was bone dry. Truck is running good that is what puzzled the mechanic.

The check engine light is on with a code p1720..I have noted this code to this forum before and you have noted to me to enjoy it while I could. Could this have contributed to this problem?

Oil change was done 5000 miles ago. Is it possible someone changing the oil could have poured it into the radradiator? And if someone ever did put oil in the rad, how long would it take for the vehicle to respond.

She is a 2000slt durango. I want her fixed not trashed like my mechanic suggested.

Any help, input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Want to note my check engine has been on for two years....and it is a transmission code. Sorry I noticed the above errors from typing on a cel phone

 

Generally you blow a head gasket from overheating #1 lol #2 blown intake manifold gasket will result in oil contaminating coolant a head gasket would leak water into your engine oil... A compression test wouldn't hurt but you havnt put stop leak in the cooling system rite? Usually sludge is from mixing green and pink coolant but a sandy substance sounds like stop leak to me which is a nightmare..

 

I have never put anything in my truck. Mechanic shop who I go to have been the only people to service my vehicle since 05.

 

When we first pulled out the rad stick it was thick. When mechanic rubbed in fingers it was creamy like pottery clay on a wheel. I will post a photo.

 

If your oil was change 5000 miles ago an they put the oil in you radiator at that time then you sure wouldn't be driveing your D this long thats for sure,, Sounds to me like you just caught this in time an you have head gasets blown, Did you flush out the motor an radiator an put oil back in it yet ????

 

Ok well unless you overheat your motor it's highly highly unlikely u blew a head gasket idk what shop your going to or what the guy who diagnosed your truck knows mechanically but there's nothing to support his diag and usually a headgasket that's blown will result in a misfire(anywhere from a little rough to extremely noticeably effecting engine performance and you would have water in the oil most likely but your engine oil is now mixed with your coolant making sludge so i highly reccomend you #1 do not drive that truck until you get oil in it which at 5000 is 2000miles overdue already unless you use synthetic anyway dump the oil out if you see what looks like 2 diff fluids you'll notice it instantly you should do this yourself or by a friend so that you know for a fact how much oil is still left and if it's only oil you'll need 5qts of 5w20 and a filter if there's water then the diag was correct if there's no oil or little metal flakes forget fixing the motor it's f*cked sorry for the language just stressing the point. If there's a little oil and no metal flakes or water go to a REPUTABLE dodge dealership get a coolant flush the tech that gets the truck will see it and most likely diag for no extra charge if you can afford it there get it done there do if there's a problem you don't have to worry about any problems a REPUTABLE dealership will stand behind there work and techs now if it's 2 expensive there get a price quote printed and you now have an accurate diag from a dealership to take to a shop remember a indapendent shop isn't going to use dealer parts they will use aftermarket which are not the exact size and fit nor are they the same quality. I'm pretty sure the shop you're using is being dishonest with you and to do the headgasket your intake must come off and the gasket will be replaced therefore the extra $500-$1000 for the head job would appear to fix your problem when really it did nothing but replace factory gaskets with aftermarket ones. Make sure the coolant flush is done at a dealership where you will receive a accurate diag either way that cooling system must be properly and thoroughly cleaned to insure your radiator and water jackets do not become clogged causing you to overheat.check Chrysler and the dodge dealership with the best service reviews website for any coupons. You should get your oil changed there Chrysler usually has really good deals and do an inspection on your truck free that's how it is here anyway hope to hear some good news on this it would make my week to know I helped save some $$

 

I appreciate the help.

Mopartech, the place I take my truck to is on Camp Lejeune. They do not do heavy work. They are standard for oil change, alignment, basics. anything transmission or engine related you have to take somewhere.

The vehicle is left at base tonight. The mechanic comes in tomorrow morning, he usually specializes in Dodges, I will be curious to hear his opinion. I do agree, it will be going to the Jacksonville NC Dodge for a look see.

I will note that I have had a misfire for some time. BUt it has never caused the vehicle to drive erratically.maybe i have just been real lucky

I will keep you posted.

Thanks again.

 

Russ

no have not done that yet. my husband agrees that we should do that next and see what results we get.

 

went by the shop today. Mechanic said when they turned on the truck water came out of the exhaust.

Again they asked me why I would want to put money in it?...lol.

He recommended shopping around for prices and mechanic. He suggested a new radiator, head gaskets and valve work and flushing of everything.

Im leaning towards the go big go home....lol.

Any input with water coming out of the exhaust?