Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) coolant leak

[dodge cummins]

i have what appears to be engine coolant leak. i say appear because my coolant is the red stuff. its leaking on driver side somewhere around radiator but i cannot pinpoint the exact location. the leak looks like its coming from behind the windshield washer fluid resovoir and is dripping down. i checked the large hose up top and its dry. is there a hose towards the bottom that i cannot see? the transmission coolant hose in that area feels dry. i hope my radiator isn't cracked :{

 

[dodge cummins]

it seems only to leaking when truck is running

 

[shendren]

check the pet cock.

 

[mechanic]

Second on the drain cock, then look at the seam where the end tank is crimped on to the radiator core. Your signature dose not tell us the year of your truck, but if you have a copper/brass core with plcatic tanks, then you may well have a leak along the tank/core seam. Sometimes they can be clamped and recrimped, but more often then not they are cracked in the brass header plate and can not be saved. However if yours is an aluminum/plastic type unit, they most often can be clamped and recrimped and be just fine. Normally, the worst case on one of these would be a new gasket.



Also check the upper hose at the radiator connection again. They can leak and migrate over to the seam and fool even a proffessional at times. Try rotating the constant tension clamp about 3/8 to 1/2 inch one way or the other.



Good luck.