coolant leak

[WHallman]

Now I admit i'm not a mechanic but i sure like driving my truck. I noticed that my coolant tank was very low so I started looking around for signs of a leak and I did find some pink residue coming down around the AC compressor which is just under the lower radiator hose where it enters the block, so I figure everything is OK. What I can't figure out is a few drops of a light oil that has a slight pink color to it on the bottom of the AC compressor. I did notice a couple of drips on the ground about 1/2 hour after stopping the engine. I ran the AC 10 minutes during my trip. Do I have a leak in the compressor and a leak at the radiator hose? I plan to get some coolant tomorrow and put it in, but i'm not sure what percentage I should mix with water. I have an appointment in about 5 days with the dealer so they can take a look at it. I just want to make sure i don't destroy anything between now and my appointment. Also, I opened the radiator cap and found the level to be about 3" down but the engine has never ran hot thanks to the cold outside air temps I suppose. I sure feel dumb for not seeing it sooner. Any advise would be appreciated. 18,000 miles on odometer



2003 Quad,2500,SWB,AUTO, 4WD,HO

 

[jwilliams3]

Just keep it filled and let the dealer handle it.

 

[GerryDrake]

When mine was new, and the block heater was not screwed in tight (not an unusual case) before I could take it to the dealer, I bought a gallon of coolant at a dealer and a gallon of distilled water at the grocery store, and poured equal amounts in the overflow bottle from time to time to keep it close to the MAX line when cold. . When I finally took it to a dealer, they did tighten the block heater and it hasn't lost coolant since. .

 

[EEdmondson]

Make sure you use the right type of coolant.

 

[WHallman]

Thanks for the timely responses. I plan to do the 50/50 mix, keep an eye on it and let the shop handle it just like you said. thanks again.





Bill hallman

 

[DPhillips]

Check out the thread posted by J_Melten. He found a hole in his 2003 radiator, make sure this in not your problem. His was covered under warranty but another owner was out or warranty miles and paid for his $$$.

 

[RAvery]

Look on the top the head, left side of the valve cover. Their are some plugs screwed into water jackets. None of mine had any sealant on them. Dealer handled it while I waited.

 

[WHallman]

Checked Out The Plugs,they Look Alright. I Will Look At The Radiator In The Am. Wow, I'm Not Exactly Sure Where To Look But You Can Bet I'll Be On It. Also, When I Get Coolant Tomorrow I Will Have Them Double Check To Make Sure It's The Right Stuff.



Bill Hallman

 

[WHallman]

I went to the dealer today about my leak. I was told the lower hose was not pushed on all the way which caused the leak. They added a second hose clamp to it just to make sure it would not come off again. Well, it works fine, but i'm not so sure about having to put a second clamp on there.

 

[swexlin]

I was told the lower hose was not pushed on all the way which caused the leak. They added a second hose clamp to it just to make sure it would not come off again. Well, it works fine, but i'm not so sure about having to put a second clamp on there

I had a very slight (and only ocassional) seepage from my lower hose where it goes into the radiator. Dealer put a real metal clamp on, and problem solved. Now it's dry and tight as a drum.

 

[WHallman]

Well as long as they don't use bubble gum and wire i'm ok with it. I will be paying more attention to these areas from now on.



Bill Hallman