Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) New Truck W/Sludge in Coolant & Paint ?'s

[CoreyPerez]

Hey guys,



My friend opened up my overflow bottle yesterday and when he look'd in to it, there was atleast 1/2" deep layer of sludge, and the bottle was empty. Is this a reason to bring the truck into the dealer for a coolant system flush?



Also, on a fender of the truck, there is a paint inperfection. (looks like somebody spit on it before the clear coat was shot) and will not come out with washing. Is this a valid warr. issue also?



Thanks,



Corey



Oh, for those interested, the Exhaust Brake went very well, and its installed. I'm still trying to get it adjusted, the TTM is installed, and the gauge pod should be here today so I can get my gauges put in!



Corey

 

[andrewkoperdak]

Corey,

I have a very good relationship with my dealer. I always give them a chance to fix something before I break out my own wrenches. I would recommend that you give them a chance too. The very least they will do is say no... but it will be logged into the computer as a customer complaint. At some later date you may need that documentation for a real covered major repair.



I have never had "sludge" nor have I let my overflow bottle get low. I did however find some silt in my overflow bottle when I changed out the fluids at 30K miles.



Good luck on whatever you do though!



My two cents

Andy

 

[ROADWARRIOR]

I had two different areas repainted on my truck under warranty. That shouldn't be an issue. As for the coolant bottle, that would bother me. I would definitely think that you could get that taken care of as well.



Good Luck,

Dan

 

[slo-ryde]

You might want to look at the date your truck was built. Mine was 13 months old when I took delivery. The reason I mention this is that my coolant recovery bottle was almost empty. The small amount of coolant that was in there was real thick, probably from evaporation. I had the dealer flush out the bottle and top it off with fresh coolant. I checked the coolant in the radiator and it looks fine. Just a thought...

 

[Whitmore]

Brings up a Q for me, does that bottle ever let coolant go back into the system??? I know it is supposed to but ???

 

[slo-ryde]

Originally posted by Whitmore

Brings up a Q for me, does that bottle ever let coolant go back into the system??? I know it is supposed to but ???

The level in the coolant bottle should change as the engine warms up and cools down, unless the coolant level is too low. After getting mine serviced it moves up and down (the level) about 4 inches.