1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Coolant leak-I have to do something

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-11-2003, 12:36 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
troutdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Coolant leak-I have to do something

I have been noticing a little coolant puddle under my truck for a liitle while. It seems to be dripping in the pass. side front corner coming straight down from the AC compressor. I haven't been able to find the leak but I do have to fill the ovreflow tank every now and again. Someone told me it is probably the waterpump. Is this true or is it somrthing else? How hard is it to change the water pump? I have to do something about this. Thanks
Old 11-11-2003, 12:53 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
westcoaster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Surrey, B.C.
Posts: 474
Received 32 Likes on 27 Posts
Re:Coolant leak-I have to do something

the lower hose connection on the radiator has been known to crack. at least it did on mine... although a rad problem may be a little more forward.
Old 11-11-2003, 03:05 PM
  #3  
Adminstrator-ess
 
wannadiesel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: New Holland, PA
Posts: 22,594
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes on 16 Posts
Re:Coolant leak-I have to do something

The water pump is not bad. Drain the coolant, take the belt off, unbolt the pump. Unlike a gas motor, there aren't brackets for all the accessories bolted to the water pump, it's really pretty easy.
Old 11-11-2003, 03:41 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
Alec's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 1,601
Received 93 Likes on 67 Posts
Re:Coolant leak-I have to do something

The lower radiator hose attaches to the water pump just above the AC compressor, so it could be a leaky water pump, or, even better, a leaky radiator hose.

On a different note, you might want to check your transmission fluid for antifreeze. Somehow seeing your two problems together makes me jump to conclusions . . .
Old 11-11-2003, 04:51 PM
  #5  
Administrator
 
Monty's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Mustang, OK
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Re:Coolant leak-I have to do something

Just a FYI....when my waterpump was bad. The only signs that it showed was a small hot water trickle down by the A/C compressor bracket.
Old 11-12-2003, 07:56 PM
  #6  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
troutdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:Coolant leak-I have to do something

The trans fluid is not discolored at all. I only noticed the drip the first time when I was parked, I saw the stones were wet. I guess I have to check into these problems a little farther to see what I can come up with.
Old 11-12-2003, 09:30 PM
  #7  
Registered User
 
formula's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MA
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:Coolant leak-I have to do something

A leaking water pump isn't always so easy to spot. They like to leak around the shaft seal. There is a small hole on the underside of the housing to allow leaking water to drain away. Run your hand along the underside of the pump and feel for the hole to see if it's leaking from there. Also check all your hoses in that location......lower radiator hose, heater hoses, trans heat exchanger hoses, etc. As said before, water pump R&R is quite easy, just drain coolant, remove belt and then there are only two bolts that hold the pump to the block. ;D

Sean
Old 11-12-2003, 10:37 PM
  #8  
Registered User
 
carl20320's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Longview, WA
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re:Coolant leak-I have to do something

I jsut had the exact same thing happen to me today. I have not had any leak prior to today. I went to the bank over lunch and when I came out, I had a large puddle under the middle of the truck. Went home (less than 1 mile) watching the temp gauge very closely.

Got home and determined the leak was around the thermostat area. I decided to check the hose clamp and sure enough, it was real loose. For some reason it chose today to start leaking.

I hope you get yours resolved just as easily and quickly.

Carl
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fiveninefo
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
3
09-21-2011 12:02 AM
ramdez
3rd Gen High Performance and Accessories (5.9L Only)
11
12-28-2009 03:55 PM
george7941
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
2
11-28-2009 09:28 PM
Mark Hodowanec
3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007
4
08-17-2009 11:56 AM
popeyesides
24 Valve Engine and Drivetrain
8
12-06-2004 03:43 PM



Quick Reply: Coolant leak-I have to do something



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:29 PM.