Fck, guys.

Problems with my 00' Dodge Durango just seem to never stop. Now, I'm having an overheating issue. You see, I noticed the engine was overheating so first thing I did was change the thermostat. That appeared to have solved the problem for a few days until I noticed that the engine was once again overheating. Next thing I do, is take my dodge to a radiator specialist and he tells me it's a leak in the core of the radiator. Sure enough, I buy a used radiator (starting to regret that now) and get it installed. Again, the engine temperature level seemed to be normal for a few days until I notice that it was slightly overheating. I next buy a new radiator cap (18 lbs pressure) but it fixes nothing. The radiator specialist then tells me to buy a radiator cap that comes with a safety release and a 20 lbs pressure, so I do, and again it changes nothing. The mechanic tells me that I might need to try flushing the radiator to make sure there's nothing preventing smooth coolant circulation. He's charging me $80.00 with no guarantees that it might solve my case. I'm a bit hesitant to try that, as I've been spending like crazy without seeing improvements.

I would like to make mention that I tried "burping" the cooling system to make sure it had no air pockets. During the process, I noticed a lot of bubbling going on once the radiator cap was off. I also noticed that the thermostat didn't seem to have opened, even after letting the engine run for about fifteen minutes. Also worthy to mention is that the temperature gauge goes slightly above the 210 mark, it never makes it near the red.

As of right now, I have no idea what the problem may be. Some help from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

 

What motor and what degree thermostat did you put in?


Posted from Dodgeforum.com App for Android

 

2000 Dodge Durango, SLT Magnum 4.7 L Engine.

 

Just an update.

Okay, so today I went to two mechanics. The first guy says that my Dodge has a blown head gasket, that there is water in the engine. He says that with $600 he will be able to fix it, that is with parts included.

Now, the second mechanic says that it's not a blown gasket, that he checked thoroughly the motor oil and it doesn't appear like it had any water, hence it must be something else, like a water pump issue or something of that nature.

Any suggestions?

Video of the bubbling:

 

A mechanic i talked to about excessive pressure in my cooling system told me that i could have a crack in my head that is forcing exhaust gas into my system. They said if you take a sample of your coolant they can test to see if it has traces if exhaust in it. Idk how true this is since i never did it, you could ask around and see if anyone in your area has ever heard of it and give it a try. Could rule out or confirm a head gasket.


Posted from Dodgeforum.com App for Android

 

Judging by the video the best i can over the internet it surely does appear to be a failing or failed head gasket... but, wow $600 bucks is crazy... Does that include the lube and the long stick too???

 

I'll look into that over the weekend, cummingetit. Thanks. And, yes, based on my Google searches, it does appear to be a head gasket issue.-Something I was NOT really looking forward to. He's charging me $600 for everything, parts included. How much does the job usually go for? Parts + Labor.

 

Considering you can get a kit that has all the engine gaskets in it for around 100 bucks at autozone and figure 50-100 IF the heads have to go to the machine shop.. it appears he is yanking you for atleast 400 in labor... now i don't know your skill level but a shop should be able to crank it out in 2-4 hours....

 

Another update.

I opened the motor oil cap, this is what I found:



and the cap itself:



I also checked the dipstick, the oil seems normal, nothing like the pics.

 

I have seen this before but not quite that bad. I wish i could say i know for sure but once again i was "told" that those oil caps don't seal well to the tube and as the cool they pull in moisture on say rainy days, and it makes that mess. Don't quote me its just one of those heard it from a guy who heard it from a guy stories.


Posted from Dodgeforum.com App for Android