coolant loss

[dustoff]

i have noticed a loss in coolant in my overflow tank... about 1-2 qts over a couple of months... have placed cardboard underneath overnight several times and no coolant drips... looked everywhere and found a very small drop of coolant on the transmission fluid line where it goes into the trans cooler underneath the manifold... . anyone famaliar with how these transmission lines enter this reservoir... is it a welded thing?... i can see the connection but if it is leaking coolant there then the nipple or joint must have a hole in it or something... . thanks for your input...

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'94 2500 4x4 3:54 auto prime-loc tst #6/230 DiPricol egt/boost

 

[DOWG]

I had a similiar problem with losing coolant. I checked for a leak by squeezing the upper radiator hose which actually applies more pressure than when the engine is running. I found that the small diameter hose on top of the engine by the number one injector was leaking. Over time (70,000 miles) the hose had shrunk and the clamps were no longer as tight as they should be. The leak was slow enough there was no tell tale white residue. Need to replace the hose, but it is a DC part, not a Cummins, and I just hate going to the Dodge house... .....

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1998 Driftwood Extended Cab,Short Box,12 Valve,4X4,Auto,Dunrite TC,3. 54,Banks Plate,AFC Spring Kit,Isspro EGT,Rickson 19. 5's,Abbott EPRA, Rancho Shocks,Heim Trackbar,Mag-Hytec transmission Pan & Pumpkin Cover,Amzoil Synthetic's,Ranchhand Bull Nose Front Bumper, Headache Rack,Tool Chest,Side Steps,Rear Bumper and 100% Stock Airconditioning.

[This message has been edited by DOWG (edited 02-16-2001). ]

 

[Timinator]

I just fixed this problem. To find it, plug in your block heater for a couple hours with your cardboard under the truck. That will create pressure in your cooling system and make the leak easier to find. Mine was leaking at the ATF/coolant heat exchanger under the exhaust manifold. The rear hose was leaking, but the clamp was tight. I also pulled the heat exchanger and had it pressure checked just to make sure. It was fine. If I remember correctly, the rear hose on the heat exchanger has a 90 degree bend and is about $25 from Dodge.

 

[HerbW]

You can also pressure test with a radiator pressure tester kit. You manually hand pump up the pressure to desired pressure without any heat. It replaces the radiator cap while testing. This pressure can be left on for as long as you need. I've found hard to find leaks by leaving overnight and then looking for it. Most all radiator shops have these also and usually will test your truck for free. They want your radiator business if that's the problem. Mine is made by Prestone. It costed only about $60. 00 as I recall. Good luck, Herb

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'96 4x4 Dodge Cummins Truck,Smitty built running boards,AT,CD plr,Gemtop steel canopy basically stock and Polar white in color. Only 50 k miles and my cat now hangs in the barn while I "test" my exaust! Next "bomb" item is gauges and plates!!