Long time lurker, new poster.

I bought my 01 5.9L Ram at the beginning of March and did a pretty through exam on it, I'm no mechanic but I do decent shadetree work. The dealer said that the truck had an oil leak which they had repaired, but was solid otherwise. I changed the oil in it a few weeks ago and noticed that I need coolant, so I added some and thought nothing of it. A week ago I installed my Spectre Intake and noticed that it was a bit low again on the overflow, and I saw some coolant sitting on the engine just behind the alternator, but I haven't seen anything leaking and I've seen no puddles sitting in the driveway.

Any ideas as to where the coolant is coming from?

 

Thermostat is in the area in question, whoever repaired it last probably didn't do too good of a job re-sealing the 'stat housing to the intake manifold.

Depending upon how good your luck is, you may or may not have to remove the alternator to repair it. Just depends on if the Previous owner removed the retarded tab that the engineers at chrysler put on the housing.... you'll see what I'm talking about once you get down to it.

 

just behind the alternator? could it be the common timing gasket cover leaking?

 

I've only seen it there, when I stand on the passenger side of the truck and look at the alternator, just behind it I can see a small puddle of green liquid sitting in a little dip on the engine, maybe the size of a nickel, and when the truck gets warm, I can smell coolant burning. I have a warranty on it from the dealer that is "supposed" to have the same benefits of the manufacture's warranty, but I was hoping that it was something easy(ish) that I could take care of myself.

 

aside from the freeze plugs (which couldnt be your problem) coolant leaks are pretty simple fixes on our tuck since they are a breeze to work on.....like stated above, try to look down at the thermostat housing and see if its leaking there, possiblity it isnt torqued right.

 

Well I climbed up there and took a look, sure enough the coolant is coming from the thermostat housing. So would it just be easier to replace the thermostat?

 

Well, you'll be right there anyway once you take the housing off; and thermostats aren't that expensive. I'd do it, but it isn't technically easier either way.

Edited to add: In any case, make sure you dispose of that troublesome tab on the housing while you have it off. Took mine off with 5 or 6 swipes of a hacksaw. It makes future stat replacements a whole lot easier.