2nd Gen Dakota Tech 1997 - 2004 Dodge Dakota Tech - The ultimate forum for technical help on the 2nd Gen Dakota.

question about a coolant leak

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 17, 2009 | 08:36 AM
  #1  
Me&MyMopar's Avatar
Me&MyMopar
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: PA
Default question about a coolant leak

Hopefully this isn't a stupid question, but I'm not really sure about this one. Anyway, is it possible to have a coolant leak between the timing chain cover, and the engine block. I've been trying to find this leak, and everything at the top of the motor looks dry, but when I get underneath the truck, I can see that the gasket for the timing chain cover is wet with coolant on both sides of the motor. It doesn't look like it's running down along the seam from a higher place, but it's hard to see. I just had everything apart for the plenum gasket headache, and I thought that I had found the problem, because I saw that it was seeping from the thermostat gasket, but I'm seeing the coolant along the sides of the motor again at the timing chain cover. before I tear everthing apart, I would just like to know if it's possible to have a leak there. Thanks in advance for the help.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2009 | 12:06 PM
  #2  
1999R/T's Avatar
1999R/T
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: kentucky
Default

Not coolant from the timing cover. It only seals oil as far as i know. But perhaps the water pump to intake hose is the problem. I had mine leak and it looked similar to what your having by what you've described. Best way to find it without a bunch of trouble and expense. Just unbolt the alt, and a/c comp. you should be able to see things alot more clearly.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2009 | 12:08 PM
  #3  
Crazy4x4RT's Avatar
Crazy4x4RT
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,923
Likes: 19
From: NM
Default

It most likely is from the water pump. But you may want to power wash the engine bay. Then use the UV leak detection kit. You can buy it from most auto parts stores. Then look for the leak.
 
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2009 | 01:29 PM
  #4  
Me&MyMopar's Avatar
Me&MyMopar
Thread Starter
|
Professional
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: PA
Default

There's no reason why it should be the water pump, because I just replaced it a month ago. I was also thinking it was the pump to intake hose, but from the top, it looks dry. When looking from underneath the truck, everything around the water pump is dry. As I said, it's further back, at the gasket for the timing chain cover where I see coolant leaking down. when I had it apart for the plenum gasket, I had to cut a small length off of that hose to get it off, but I thought there was enough length to still be good. I also just noticed that my front fenders are rotting away from behind, so I have to get the front bumper off to try and get it before it starts creeping around to the outside. There isn't a single spot of rust on the outside of the truck, and the paint looks almost new, but inside, behind the intake, and the battery, is rotting away to the point that on the passenger side, I was able to punch a screwdriver through the metal behind the intake. Thanks again for the help.
 
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:44 AM.