My 03 dodge ram 1500 keeps puking coolant out of the overflow tube, in the past 3 weeks I've replaced the radiator, radiator cap, both hoses, water pump and the drive belt. The coolant level is on the cold fill line when engines cold, system was burped truck runs fine and doesn't overheat,I can't figure out why it's still puking coolant, am I overlooking something stupid?

 

Did you change out the thermostat?

SJ03

 

I did not, it was replaced about 30,000 miles ago.

 

If it was replaced with an aftermarket unit (non-Mopar) that might still be the problem. Replace the Thermostat and burp the system again.

If it still happens I suggest you get a compression and leak down test, as you might have a bad head gasket that is letting exhaust gasses pressurize your coolant system which is causing the coolant to overflow as intended by design.

Head gasket problems are pretty common on the 4.7L V8's on Rams... I'm assuming you have a 4.7L V8 or the smaller V6 which also is notorious for similar headgasket problems.

 

I did replace it with a mopar oem temp thermostat,I took the radiator cap off and had someone rev the motor up while I watched for excessive bubbling in the reservoir and didn't see any and also get no antifreeze smell from the exhaust, could it still be a headgasket?

 

yes it's still possible, even a small head gasket problem can cause the exhaust gasses to pressurize the coolant system enough to cause that.

To be safe get a compression and a leak down test to confirm or disprove the head gasket theory.

Once you do that you'll know for sure what the next steps are.

 

You did miss the fan clutch as far as replacing parts.
I would go with what has been said though and spend the 12 bucks for a combustion tester at napa. Real easy to do, and you will know within 30 seconds or so if the blue water changes to yellow.


Mike

 

If you replace the fan clutch, get a mopar one or you'll sound like an airplane taking off.

SJ03

 

The fan clutch is less than a year old, I plan to pick up a combustion tester this weekend and I'll post an update, hoping it's not a head gasket issue but I'll see what the test says, might be time to get my 1st gen ram out of the garage and up and running.

 

fan clutch would only cause the truck to overheat if idling for a bit.... it wouldn't cause his overflow bottle to pop....