Hi all,

I have a 97 Dakota sport, 3.3L V6. Just yesterday I heard my belts squeak like they were wet, and then began to smell the antifreeze. So I popped the hood and saw that I have coolant leaking from the thermostat housing area. I haven't pulled the hose (replaced summer of 08) and therm housing off yet, but I am hoping it's just the thermostat.

Does that sound about right? Would it leak like that if the thermostat simply went bad, or am I looking at something worse?

Thanks everyone,
Jason

 

sounds like a water pump.. and no you dont have the old 3.3 mini van engine in your truck... its a 3.9

 

Whoops! Yes, I meant 3.9. I'm doing some work to our Caravan right now as well. Brain fart.

What is it about the water pump going bad that enables the leak from the thermostat housing area?

Also, I forgot to mention, a couple of times last week, my oil pressure gauge bottomed out and triggered a "Check Gauges" warning light. But it would almost immediately return to normal. Is that related to the other?

Thanks,
J

 

well the thermostat wouldnt cause a leak. if its leaking from there, could be a a rotted hose or a bad gasket, either way rip it apart and take a look. only thing im aware of a common issue with these trucks puking coolant is from the weep hole on the water pump housing.

 

Like the other guys said, bad housing or gasket. I did my thermostat a bit back and the housing was just rittled with pinholes from rust. $10 fix from Advance

 

I like the sound of that. Inexpensive and easy. Hopefully that's it. I was going to get out there and pull it apart today, but the weather had other plans ... nonstop rain.

Thanks for the help guys.