Hey guys and gals.

I have been a f150 guy all my life, but just bought a 98 ram slt Laramie quad cab with the 5.9l 77 k miles. I like the truck, but smelling antifreeze. I added some dye and it is leaking the the top of the timing cover on the passenger side.

I just bought the truck, and don't know much about the 5.9, is there a manual PDF file on line for the 2nd gen? Any common issues with removing the cover or getting to it? By looking at it it don't look to bad, just a lot of crap to remove.

Anyways..I have searched the site, found some good info.. Just looking for any comments, tips, dos and don't ..anything that may help in changing it.

Thanks for any help.

Geo.

 

Sure it's not the water pump? weep hole could be leaking and it's running down the engine....

 

Here's the manuals:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...e-manuals.html

I'm with Stewie on this one, might be your water pump. But either way, you gotta pull it all off.

 

Thanks, I'm sure it's not the pump. It's above the pump, just below the head..

Thanks, Geo

 

Above the pump, just below the head?

The timing cover is below the water pump.

 

Timing cover is behind the water pump. Fair few bolts in common.

Do you just see the dye on top of the cover? There is a small hose that goes from the top of the water pump, to the intake, that likes to leak as well. It's under the A/C compressor, and a real bear to get to...... Might be able to move it out of the way, and have a look there.

Borrow a pressure tester from your local parts store, put some pressure on the system, and look around. See what you see.

 

Sorry.. I meant above the weep hole,just below the head. It's leaking where the the cover meets the block. From the passenger side, I can see the dye running down the block and cover. I have a pressure tester, that's how I found the leak, but wanted to see if there was any more leaks in the system, the dye is great for finding tiny leaks. I searched every inch on the motor with the black light in the dark and the cover is the only leak.

Thanks,Geo

 

While you are in there..... replace the timing chain and gears with a good double-roller set as well. After all, you are going to be RIGHT there.

The timing covers are aluminum, and they like to erode around the coolant ports. New ones are available.... mine was kinda ugly, but, some RTV was adequate to the task. Now, I think it just leaks out the freeze plugs on the back of the block.....

 

While you have it all apart, be sure to replace the small bypass hose mentioned and the water pump. No sense putting it all back together with the old pump and have it fail shortly thereafter.

 

Thanks, I will be changing all hoses, gaskets,pump.. Going to do it in a few days. Here, is a picture. I like the truck, runs and drives like new. Garage kept and low 77k miles.