Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 2002 with the 4.7L V8, Coolant consistently needing to be topped up every few days. Not sure where its going but not in engine apparently as no coolant in the oil and no white smoke from exhaust, and no real visible drops under the truck on ground except for some drops on bottom of fan shroud and connecting beam between control arms.

Seems to be losing a lot of coolant but can't figure out where its going. Engine runs ok, just a bit of chugging sound on heavy acceleration (valves?)

 

Pressure test the cooling system. That lets you look around at things with it under pressure, without having to have the engine running....... Might be a water pump leak.

 

Pressure testing the cooling system is great idea. Usually you can get a tester on loan from auto parts store.
Take a look at the fins in your radiator, do you see any bulges, particularly near the top of the radiator? Is there any dried white coolant splashed on the engine or radiator?
If not radiator, almost certainly the water pump.

 

Radiator leaks are common on Ram.
recommend to remove the fan shroud and louvers. Then run the truck up to full operating temperature.

at that point you can look around and sniff around the radiator, hoses, and water pump for leaks.

oh, and ensure you do it on a bright sunny day so you can see. A cool/cold day is great too as you will see steam along leak path(s).

an alternate would be to pour some UV dye into the coolant system and use a black light to find leak point(s).

 

Yep, look it over real good first, then pressure test it if you don't find a leak. Pump it up to 21 PSI, get under it, lay on your back with a strong light and wait for the drips. Hopefully there will be drips. If not, start thinking about your head gasket. You might be burning that coolant. Have you noticed if it cranks a bit longer before starting lately? To test head gasket, you will need a block tester.

Been there and done all this so enjoy the links.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...ss-4-7l-2.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...t-options.html

 

Grab the fan, with the engine shut off of course , and try wit wiggle it side to side. My '02 had a leak I couldn't find until I did that and the water pump was shot. I never saw any puddles as it leaked when running and turned it into a spray.