You know with this cracked head issue poping up all the time i almost wonder how Chysler got away with this aparent major and costly defect..

 

The heads generally lasted longer than the warranty...... and it isn't really a 'safety' issue, so the fed won't get involved.

If you are still having mystery coolant loss, I would take a sample and have it analyzed. Should be able to tell you if there are combustion byproducts in your coolant. (sign of blown gasket/cracked head)

 

na my coolant isnt going down anymore, i found where the coolant was coming from, the petcock was leaking very slowely not sure why as it was fairly new but i replaced it again and just going to keep an eye on it, that and it seems some coolant is leaking out of the overflow drain in the reservoir probably from sloshing around when i drive as i saw a few coolant drips from it the other day.

Pretty sure thats where the coolant is going

 

Install a 180 ASP so your heads wont crack from the excessive heat produced by the stock 195 and with a new rad you will be good for long time to come. FYI the cracking issue was bigger then the plenum issue and when these trucks were new Chryler couldnt keep cylinder heads in stock and at one point 97-98 they where on national back order. Took over three months to get mine replaced under warrenty.

 

I did put a 180 in before my "major meltdown" and a 2nd one thinking that was maybe the problem before I discovered the rad was to blame.....anyway I guess what my original question was ( I was aware of the head issue, just not all the causes or symptoms) has anyone had a similar experience with the same results.

I am definatly losing some coolant, and the missfire codes are for the 2 plugs that look suspect, so I am going to do a cooling system pressure test and a cylinder leakdown test......but I already think I will be pulling the heads....I will post my results

 

I would just suggest you tackle each of those tests. Go step by step prior to making any conclusions. Deductions are great, but sometimes in thinking/perceiving is far reaching. Not in any way saying you're off base, just stick to the tests to become more confident of the end diagnosis.

Yes, please do report back. Pictures would help alot too.

 

Yes I definatly agree with you, each test will be done before I start tearing into it...and I will post my results of each test as they are done....along with pics !

 

x3 on this one, My truck never overheated and just by random chance i had to take my heads off because my manifold studs broke off in the head. While they were off i had them checked and sure is crap the valve seats were cracked.

 

I dont see wha ta 180 tstat will do ? My Jeep 5.9 never goes above 195-200f eve in the summer i stayed at 200f. Altho i think with the electric fan vs your clutch fans i stay cooler then you guys do.

 

FYI is all just b/c its very recent.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...stat-help.html