hey all,
new to the forum. i'll cut to the chase...i've a '03 dakota with a 5.9 (4 spd auto, 4x2) that's losing coolant. no visible signs of leaks, no puddles on the driveway, no yellow stains near the water pump/thermostat housing, no evidence of cut, pierced hoses, no fluid or smell of fluid in the cab from heat exchanger or smell of coolant in engine bay HOWEVER, i'm having to top off the reservoir just about once every week. any takers?

 

Head gasket... is the vehicle burning a lot of white smoke?

 

sounds like a head gasket. check your oil. If it looks like light brown sludge you have big issues. they also make tester kits using a blue liquid that turns green if you have issues.

 

no white smoke at all and no milky emulsion in the engine oil. just did the 57K oil change 'bout two weeks ago and it couldn't have been blacker.

 

do you have floor mats, or just carpet. if you have floor mats, check under them, because you might not be able to smell the coolant if you use the a/c alot.

 

how well does your heater work?

 

floor mats, and no fluid under them. the carpet's dry. a/c gets used probably everyday, and just checked the heater and it also works...