I have a 2009 1500 SLT. It has 265,000 miles and has started to run extremely rough (like can't even drive down the road rough). When I lift the hood or just stand around the front of the truck, it reeks of coolant. There is no visible leaks of coolant. I drained the oil looking to see if there was coolant in the drain pan, but nothing.

I guess my question is can there be a blown head gasket and no coolant in the oil? There is no coolant smell inside the truck when the heater is on so I don't suspect the heater core is leaking and the heater works fine.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

Severin

 

Yup. Engine may just be burning the coolant. Are you losing coolant? Engine overheating? Compression test may not be a bad idea.

 

If you smell coolant, then it's escaping somewhere.....either on the ground or thru the tail pipe or out the water pump weep hole (this is assuming all hoses are good).
Mike Sal

 

Yeah at this point there is no coolant leak. I will check the level of the coolant today. The engine has not overheated since the smell has been so strong or running extremely rough.

Any recommendations on exhaust manifolds? I will have to replace the head gaskets and at the same time I have the remove the cracked exhaust manifolds. So does anyone recommend a good replacement?

Thanks in advance!

Severin

 

Find a good set of shorty headers to install. That eliminates the problem of the exhaust bolts breaking.

 

most reputable shops have a machine that can test for blown head gaskets by checking contamination with the coolant. I have never used one but there are also kits you can by on amazon.

 

Good Idea. I know the parts stores around here will rent you the kit, just pay for the chems. (which they also have.)

 

Thanks All for the help!

Severin

 

Yes, It does sound like a blown head gasket. Could be a slow leak that is getting burnt up. Good Luck.