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'97 Dakota 3.9L coolant leak search


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slade25
User

Jun 6, 2014, 10:51 PM

Post #1 of 4 (2015 views)
'97 Dakota 3.9L coolant leak search Sign In

1997 Dakota 3.9L auto
have developed a coolant leak. It is not coming from the radiator. Just replaced the water pump. Still leaking. Leak appears to be coming from behind the water pump (left side upper if looking directly at pump).
How do i locate this leak for certain ? Am i into the intake manifold area ? I tried putting a can of risoline coolant leak stoppage in, didn't seem to help much.

anyone have any suggestions i can try before a shop has to get at it.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jun 6, 2014, 11:18 PM

Post #2 of 4 (2007 views)
Re: '97 Dakota 3.9L coolant leak search Sign In

STOP! with the snake oils. You are going to ruin both your radiator and your heater core.

Pressure test the system and locate the source of the leak. Use small mirrors is necessary but stop with the sealers.

Once you repair the actual leak, flush the system to get as much or that gunk out as possible.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jun 7, 2014, 2:27 AM

Post #3 of 4 (1993 views)
Re: '97 Dakota 3.9L coolant leak search Sign In

Ditto - quit it with the sealers AND get it out of the system.
Most water pumps will seep thru a vent hole at least at first for this type.........

That is the hole and may be out of sight with a pulley on it. Since it leaked both before and after may not have been the problem at all OR a flaw in mating surfaces OR too aggressive cleaning up those as alloy metals can easily be damaged.


It's also easy to have a gasket slip out of perfect position with the replacement of many. Look at Hammer said while under pressure. Air blow suspect areas dry and see if you can watch it come back. This while still intact as once opened up pressure isn't possible to force the thing to leak.


The gasket: Different types of material could be used? If plain paper like I say fine to use the least smear of like Pematex Gasket Maker - so little none squishes out and is not the adhesive. It will help hold it in place for installation PLUS if back there again you should need to scrape those surfaces again as it should come off clean. Smear I mean a smear NOT any real thickness to it.


IMO - not likely that replacement pump is defective in the same manner as the old one so it was a mistaken diagnosis, faulty installation or from somewhere else,


T



Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jun 7, 2014, 7:43 AM

Post #4 of 4 (1980 views)
Re: '97 Dakota 3.9L coolant leak search Sign In

Could also have a timing cover gasket leaking. You may have to remove the bracket over the pump and then pressurize the system as HT suggested to find the leak.





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