Bought a clean 98 ram ex cab 4x4 318 auto about 2 weeks ago. I bought it dirt cheap and new it had a few nick-naks to be done. It needed new brakes all around-done, new rear axle speed sensor-done, new output speed sensor-done, new rear axle seals (both sides)-done, and rear main seal leak (very slow)-NOT done yet.

After doing all of this I went ahead and flushed out the whole coolant system and went to a 180* stat. When I did this, wouldn't you know it caused the water pump to start leaking (I traced the coolant to the pump) and replaced it as soon as I saw it. NO the truck never did get hot on me. I am still loosing coolant but not sure where. I am NOT getting the usual head gasket symptoms. The spot that I can only think of is that it is coming from the rear main but is that even possible and would all my oil be milky looking or could the coolant go straight to the rear main and leak and that's why the oil is not getting milky. Also, all hoses are in perfect shape and no leaks there. Thanks in advance guys.

 

There are some freeze plugs on the back side of the block, that can start leaking. Gotta pull the engine, or drop the trans to get to them though. Also some plugs on the back side of each head. Clean everything off really good, and see if you can determine where the coolant is coming from. I thought my rear freeze plugs were bad, but, turns out is was coolant wicking down the oil pan/engine block seam, and just dripping off at the lowest point.

Freeze plugs under engine mounts (cleverly concealed.....) like to rust and leak as well.

Timing cover to block seal likes to leak too.... especially after doing the water pump...

Bypass hose from w/p to intake is another one that's famous for hard to find leaks.

 

I will ck the FB on the back side later this week then. The FB on both side of the block and the heads are fine. That's the first thing inlooked at. I will ck the hose to the WP in the morning. My Q is, how does the timming cover cause coolant leak?

 

Coolant passes thru the upper corners of the timing cover. (the water pump bolts TO the timing cover....) there is a gasket between the cover and the block, and when you disturb that gasket (like, changing the water pump....) it likes to leak. Hell, you don't even have to do the w/p and it will start leaking. (like mine did.... which prompted the water pump, and timing chain/gears change.)

 

Wow, learned something new on this motor. If I am not mistaken, I should see a trail going up the the TC correct? Only thing I see is at the back thats why I am leaning a ton to the back of the block FP

 

Clean everything off good, drive it for a bit, and see what you find.

 

 

So....I googled "FLAPS" and was only surprised bu the Urban Dictionary definition......

What is FLAPS in the context you mentioned?

 

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Gotcha. Thanks. I do learn from here! (bet you are checking out the urban Dictionary, aren't you?)