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Dyd98
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2005
12:08:53

Subject: radiator flush - now leaks
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I had my radiator flushed last week at a quickie- lube place as the coolant was looking pretty sludgy (and the level was low) and I didn't feel like dealing with it myself. Now yesterday I noticed a significant leak. I checked the best I but I could not determine where it was coming from. It was dripping off the plastic shroud under the radiator. Looking from the top, it was wet all around behind the radiator, including on the waterpump. It looked like the fan was spraying it around. I took the radiator cap off and topped the coolant off (about 2/3 of a gallon) while it was running. Since then, it seems to have stopped leaking.

I was wondering if the system wasn't bled properly if trapped air could have caused the leak. Is there a vent somewhere it was coming from?

BTW, 98 Dak, 5.2.



Did They
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2005
12:52:04

RE: radiator flush - now leaks
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use a chemical flush? If so, sometimes that will free up small particles/sludge that were clogging tiny holes that already existed. How long has it been since a flush was performed? If it's been a few years, that may be the problem.



Dyd98
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2005
13:12:29

RE: radiator flush - now leaks
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it was more like a coolant replacement. They hooked up two hoses and let the engine run for about 10 minutes and it pulled the new coolant out of a bucket and the old coolant was pumped out somewhere. A review of the fairly detailed maintenance records that come with the truck when I got it, don't show any coolant change since new.

I suppose the old, thick antifreeze/sludge could have been plugging a hole somewhere. I was hoping there was some explanation other than an actual leak though. As I mentioned, after my attempt to "burp" the system it seems to have stopped leaking, but it got dark before I could do a thorough check. I'm hoping after work it will still look good.



Did They
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2005
13:32:10

RE: radiator flush - now leaks
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There is probably someone else on here who may have a better explanation. Mine is just one. Give it a bit and see what someone else has to say before you come to any conclusion. There are alot of knowledgeable people on this board. Definitely more knowledgeable than me; I was just the first one to post :)



Jeff
GenIII
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11/15/2005
14:39:46

RE: radiator flush - now leaks
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i had a similar problem after a pep boys radiator flush. couldn't tell where it was leaking from. turned out they didn't screw on the cap all the way and it was spewing out from there all over everything. added fluid and tightened the cap. fixed.
maybe thats what happened with yours?


Jeff
'99 3.9 clubcab

Dyd98
Dodge Dakota
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11/15/2005
18:42:44

RE: radiator flush - now leaks
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I took a closer look at this afternoon and found coolant dripping from the front drivers side oil pan bolt. The hoses are all dry and it is dry around the T-stat. I still can't tell where where it is coming from, but I am suspecting the water pump.

How much should I expect to pay for a new pump w/labor as I have no time or desire to lay in the slop outside to do it myself?

Thanks



99 Green 4x4
Dodge Dakota
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11/16/2005
00:07:53

RE: radiator flush - now leaks
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I had mine replaced this summer by a local garage for around $200. If you go to a dealer, expect it to be a lot more.



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