Hello, My name is Mike. I Have a 2004 Dodge dakota which is having the above described problems and I was wondering if any other dakota owners have experienced this. It's a 4.7, 4x4.

It started overheating and I realized the coolant was low. The weird thing is that the reserve is not getting used. I put coolant into the system and it lasts about a week until enough leaks that it starts overheating.

Anyway, glad I found this sight, and if anyone has any thoughts Id appreciate it.

 

My 2005 dak did that found water pump seal had just started leaking couldnt really see it dripping at first but changed it and all is good if you change the water pump definately get the new one not rebuilt one its worth the extra 15.00$ heard about problems with rebuilds failing soon after install

 

I will move this to the 2nd generation Dakota sub-forum.

 

I think you should first determine where the leak is.. run it nice and hot full of fluid.. then park her.. in a nice dry area.. let her sit a little bit;; temp will raise since it's not running a little and pressure will build up a little as well.

Check everything out.. look under the truck; look at the hoses; the rad.. the frame; look at the motor and try and find out if you can determine any leaks.. or at least general area.

These rads are known to crack along the seam of the plastic tank up against the metal. esp under pressure- from either clogged Rad; or thermostat not opening.. and pressure builds from over heating.

if you can't find any leaks what so ever then you might have to start looking at doing pressure tests... checking if your oil is off milky color and sludgy.. perhaps a leak; leaking coolant into the oil or into the chamber(s) somewhere.

 

It can also be a bad radiator cap.

 

This one is kinda tough because all we know is you are overheating... fan clutch, radiator, heater core, waterpump leaking, freeze plug leaking, etc... etc.... need to put the system under pressure to even see if its leaking... rent a cooling system pressure tester from any oriellys and put the system under about 18 PSI of pressure... you'll either see it start to leak, or hold pressure. if its holding pressure id start by making sure you are bleeding the cooling system properly...

 

I was thinking about the water pump...but did yours take from the reserve when it got low? Someone suggested that could be cause by a clogged radiator?

 

Thats why Im at a loss...could be alot of things. I guess the only thing to go on is the fact that it isnt taking from the reserve and the leak is slow because it takes about a week or so until it starts running hot. I would think that would eliminate some possibilities but im not sure which ones.

 

The cracked rad theory would explain it not taking from the reserve right?

 

Maybe try flush out.And like suggested before check everything real good.Also check the hose that feeds the rad from your reserve.