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HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Ryan
Anonymous Poster
rcollings@gmail.com
Jul 27, 2006, 11:22 PM
Post #1 of 9
(2022 views)
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HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
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HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my 1998 dodge dakota. The last few times i drove my truck when i stop it starts spraying coolant out of the radiator at the cap, then smokes or steams for about 20 mins. The gauge on the dash shows no signs of overheating. I fushed the coolant and replaced it. I ran a gasket and radiator leak sealer through it and it still has the same results. Is there anything i can try before i have to pay a mechanic an outrages price to fix the problem? Please help i can't have this car break, I can barely afford gas let alone repairs. Thank you
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Jul 28, 2006, 4:20 AM
Post #2 of 9
(2020 views)
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Re: HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Try replacing the thermostat and flush that crap sealant out of the system before (if it hasn’t already) it plugs up the rad.
Keep running this truck (even thou the gauge isn’t showing overheating) in an overheated state and the “outrages price” to check this and repair this will seem like nothing in compared to the damage you may be doing now.
I’m a Mechanic and a garage owner; yes we have to charge you to fix your vehicle but that doesn’t mean you are being taken. Maybe the next time you take something in for repairs ask them to explain the process of diagnosing and repairing of the vehicle. Then you may walk away with the feeling that you’re receiving value for your money. So why not ask these same questions at the garage that you may be spending your money at. I love it when I’m questioned here at the shop and quite proud to show them that myself and my staff has the training it takes to get the job done.
Please don’t think I’m bashing you personally; a lot of people don’t understand what goes into a repair all they look at is the bottom line of their bill.
ASK QUESTIONS; you’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn about the vehicle and you never know you may find a garage that you can trust.
Stepping off soapbox now, sorry.
Dan
Canadian "EH"
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 29, 2006, 9:19 AM
Post #3 of 9
(2013 views)
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A note on Sealers for Cooling Systems
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Like Dan said get the sealer out and fix the leak. I have had some luck with sealers but they were used to make a car last long enough to junk it! They plug up wanted items and one didn't matter but it's heater core plugged up solid and they are not the best solution. I've heard the car makers will use some of some kind for new cars but not much. The bottle you buy probably said use the whole thing which is way too much. They really are just a gel or saw dust and can be flushed out.
There may be radiator shops that can fix the problem and most went out of biz around me as new parts were too close in price.
There is a fuel solvent that has helped me called SeaFoam and a product called Trans-X that has helped with only power steering problems and should only be used as a last ditch attempt. I will endorse use of Isopryl formula moisture remover for fuel but less than half the amounts they all suggest and not to be used often. The stores are full of these magic potions and few are worth a damn, T
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Jul 29, 2006, 1:45 PM
Post #4 of 9
(2012 views)
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Re: A note on Sealers for Cooling Systems
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Thank you for your imput. Sorry if you got the wrong idea from my post. in no way am i anti auto mechanics, it just that money is tight right now and i can't afford to take the truck in. no way no how. But here is where i am now. i flushed the system and changed the thermostat but am still having the same problem. it runs cool for about 15 mins. then the radiator cap starts hissing and shortly after that squirts coolant out. is it possible that my overflow tank may be clogged? any more suggestion before i have to park it for months til i can afford to fix it? Thank you
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 29, 2006, 2:52 PM
Post #5 of 9
(2005 views)
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Re: A note on Sealers for Cooling Systems
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From cold feel the pressure in the upper radiator hose. It should be almost soft enough to collapse it in your hand. Start the car and quickly feel the hose again and if it builds up pressure right away or soon you may have exhaust getting into the cooling system which would explain all of this. That is almost always a head gasket problem and you won't like the price  Hope not, T
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Guest
Anonymous Poster
Jul 29, 2006, 3:47 PM
Post #6 of 9
(2004 views)
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Re: A note on Sealers for Cooling Systems
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i've been out tinkering. probably not a good idea since i'm not much of a car person. but i ran the truck with the radiator cap off for about a half an hour. it ran fine. I could see the coolant rise up and fall as the thermostat opened ond closed. a couple times as it can up it over flowed an spirted a bit, but then would go back down. it looks like where my overflow hose connects to my overflow take there is a section that looks melted could my raditor cap be hissing and leaking due to the overflow not filling up fast enough? by the way if its a head gasket i'll cry.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jul 29, 2006, 4:35 PM
Post #7 of 9
(2000 views)
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Re: A note on Sealers for Cooling Systems
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Put on a new overflow tube/hose and just for measure a new correct radiator cap. Re check coolant level after a warm up or two. This is inexpensive and should be ruled out, T
Stick with correct concentrations of anti-freeze!
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Ryan
Anonymous Poster
Aug 2, 2006, 10:43 PM
Post #8 of 9
(1976 views)
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Re: A note on Sealers for Cooling Systems
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ok tom, thanks for all your help with my dodge. i changed the overflow tank and hose. put on a new cap and everything seems to be running ok. i drove the truck around for about an hour and there were no overheating problems and everything seemed to be ok under the hood. just one more question for you. when i turn of the engine the temp gage slowly rises about 20 degrees. is this commom since the engine is off that the temp would rise since there is nothing cooling it at this point. Thanks again.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 3, 2006, 1:01 PM
Post #9 of 9
(1967 views)
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Re: A note on Sealers for Cooling Systems
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The 20 degrees is not a problem but may be telling of a new problem. If your Dakota is using a fan clutch and you don't know how old it it just replace it.
In general temp should stay about the same all the time when a car is running and all is well. If you are dealing with some incredible high temps and traffic I would forgive it but not in normal conditions. Some cars will flutuate a little with the electric fan thing going on and off.
Keep an eye on that temp gauge -- that's what it's there for, T
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