My truck overheated on a 90+ humid day. When I checked the overflow, after it cooled down, there was very little visable coolant in it. I read the manual and it says there is supposed to be a dipstick? There is not. So.....in lieu of searching for another dipstick, how can I know if I have enough coolant in it or not.....in the overflow tank that is. Running or off, should it be empty or half full or??? I just need a quick fix until I can get it in for a flush and refill. Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

Go to the boneyard and get a dipstick.

 

I would say half full would be safe. But I agree with the suggestion of just going to the boneyard.

 

The overflow tank doesn't really mean much. Open up the radiator cap with the motor cold, and poor 50/50 or 40/60 mixture of coolant/water. When it hits the top, you're golden. Then fill the resevoir tank.

If the problem still persists (and you should see the overheating thing coming via the temperature gauge) the problems generally relatively simple. Replace your thermostat since it's so damn cheap and easy to get to. While you're at it put in a 180 degree thermostat. If it doesn't work, the problem from there is generally the water pump or radiator. To replace the thermostat you need to dump your coolant anyways, so that may help with the situation as well.


Water pumps rarely run more than $25, although radiators can run a decent amount. Probably $250 ish I imaigne for a dakota, although all of my radiator experience is for 22r's, which are cheap to get parts for. Both are easy bolt on components.

 

thanks everyone. I'll definitely get that dipstick replaced. I have since found a leak but have not found a definitive place it's coming from, just general area...I can see it dripping off the bottom pully of the serpentine belt so I'm assuming it's coming from the water pump. The pump does not make any noise when the truck is running so maybe it's just loose or there is some sort of seal broken? The serpentine belt was recently replaced but I really can't see where that would have any bearing since it doesn't touch the pump unless I'm not seeing something. I just hate to take it to a mechanic and be taken if you know what I mean.[&o]

 

if you have coolant dripping around the pulley on the water pump, then your water pump is probably shot, and will eventually need replacement. the seal around the pulley shaft is worn out. it will gradually get worse. you'll also notice that it will leak more after you shut the motor off, because it heats up and builds pressure. the pressure is relieved by leaking around that seal and then also by cooling off. if you keep the coolant level full in both the radiator tank and the overflow tank, you might put it off for awhile, maybe even a long time.