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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
There appears to be a missing bolt but maybe not. It was like that before ever taking anything off. Look at the picture. Is there supposed to be a bolt there?
Yes there should be a bolt there. There is a "metal fitting" on the line, you are missing it as well, that holds the inlet line going into your water pump firmly in place. It seems someone decided you didn't need it anymore. The "metal fitting" is just a small piece that wraps around your line and is held in place by said missing bolt. I think it is primarily to keep the line from vibrating, but it does help hold the line firmly into the water pump.
Looks like somebody took off the front mounting bracket and forgot to put that bolt in before attaching the coolant line and decided to skip it. They would have had to remove the line in order to get it in there easily.
Well, it surely looked like a bolt goes there but there wasn't one when I took everything off. So, do I really need it or not. I been driving it like that for 4 years now.
You should replace the return line tube, and get that bolt back in there. (it holds the tube in place. tube is supposed to have a tab......) I am VERY surprised that cooling system pressure hasn't blown that feller out yet.
You should replace the return line tube, and get that bolt back in there. (it holds the tube in place. tube is supposed to have a tab......) I am VERY surprised that cooling system pressure hasn't blown that feller out yet.
It's on there... it's the bolt to the left of the one that's missing. If you look hard you can see it.
You should replace the return line tube, and get that bolt back in there. (it holds the tube in place. tube is supposed to have a tab......) I am VERY surprised that cooling system pressure hasn't blown that feller out yet.
If you look at it more closely, you will see that's not the bolt missing. The line into the water pump is secure. It is the hole just to the right of that. It is a part of the large bracket that holds the a/c compressor and alternator. So, I don't see that the bolt is necessary, but I guess I will pick up one just to give me piece of mind.