On the Road - Small Coolant Leak

[2013megacab]

Hi,
I am on the road and for last few stops have been smelling antifreeze but until last stop could not see anything out of order under the hood. At the last stop I found evidence of something spraying. All surfaces up high on the driver side have what I could best describe as water spots. The spray pattern is back toward the windshield as if it is being blown by the fan. It seems to start at the upper radiator hose that goes into a black plastic (ABS) tube that crosses over the top of the radiator. Where the hose connects into the tube I can wiggle the hose and see it move in the tube. That seems pretty loose for a connection under pressure but I don't see any leaks with the engine running.

Perhaps unrelated, but the passenger side headlight is full of condensation. There are no signs of leaks in that area, either stains or water with the engine runnung.

I am miles from a dealership and towing in the mountains. There is a nearby garage and parts place open today. I will get some coolant and top it off but so far no low coolant warning or indications of overheating.

I did have the water pump recall done but the smell started before that and the area around the pump looks good.

Is the loose connection mentioned above normal, and any suggestions about anything else I can check?

Thanks,

Al

 

[6V92TA]

you talking about the Y pipe that fails repeatedly on certain year trucks?

 

[Cummins12V98]

Your truck is a 2013, they have issues with the "Y" pipe. I would clean it off and duct tape it until you can get a replacement. Most Dealers should have one on the shelf.

 

[JR]

The upper wye hose failed on me pulling hay wagons out of the field last summer. Would have been harder to track had I not known where to look because as you mentioned the fan had coolant plastered everywhere.
If yours is leaking and it is at the plastic to hose joint, you could try putting a radiator clamp on it and cranking it down. Maybe even wrap it in electrical tape before clamping to help slow the leak. Unlikely to stop it l but the clamp may at least prevent the wye from separating.

 

[2013megacab]

Thanks everyone. Yes, it appears to be the wye fitting. I am only about 50 miles from a dealer so I hope they can work me in tomorrow.

Al

 

[JR]

Are you still under warranty?

If not, it is a very easy fix. Couple quick connect clamps and a little coolant and your on your way. I sucked the coolant out of the reservoir into a clean jug and then sucked the hose out once I opened one end so that I could reuse it. Saved close to 1/3 gallon .
Yes I'm cheap

 

[Newsa]

Are you still under warranty?

If not, it is a very easy fix. Couple quick connect clamps and a little coolant and your on your way. I sucked the coolant out of the reservoir into a clean jug and then sucked the hose out once I opened one end so that I could reuse it. Saved close to 1/3 gallon .
Yes I'm cheap

That top spring hose clamp (thermostat side) can be a challenge to get on depending on how it was released at the factory. Might not have room to get on it with a regular plier. I bought a hose clamp tool because It was to buried close to the plastic cover on the top.

The factory wye hose comes with 2 of the 3 hose clamps. If you elect not to use the provided spring clamps and elect not to reuse the third hose clamp, just be careful not to over-tighten

 

[2013megacab]

Thanks again to all. Well, FCA and dealer service fell short of the mark. I called Dallin Motors in Rawlins WY when they opened. I told service writer I was on the road towing 9000 and needed wye replaced. He said he could work me in June 25th. I asked if they even had the part and he said I'd have to call parts. I called them and they had the part. The parts manager said to come in and see service manager, they could probably handle it. Well, the service manger said they couldn't. I said its three hose clamps and a bolt, he still said no. I'm glad it wasn't a serious problem. Since I didn't know if the next dealer would have the part, I bought it. I hated giving them the business, but didn't want to take a chance. When I checked out at the cashier I saw a sign that said "rate us on facebook" so I will. I figure on a scale of 5, a 1 for the service department and a 5 for parts averages out to a 2.

I have Maxcare, so the part was only $6 more than my deductible and I can handle three clamps and a bolt.

Do I have to bleed the system after opening it up?

Thanks again,

Al

 

[JR]

Experiences like that chap my ass. A good service manager would have gotten you in knowing you were out of town and stranded.

I did not need to bleed the system. Not enough coolant lost/removed to necessitate that unless you completely drain the system.

Did you buy extra coolant?

What direction are you headed from Rawlins? I grew up in the Laramie area (Wold tract, Fox park). Just dropped my oldest son off at the airport Saturday morning, he will be there spending time with family for a week .

 

[2013megacab]

I didn't lose much. The leak was a pinhole on the bottom side of the Y where the upper radiaror hose connected.

We are in Green River tonight headed for Idaho tomorrow, ultimately to Oregon for next week. Then touring on the way back hitting Crater Lake, OR coast, Glacier, Yellowstone, and Tetons before heading back to FL.

Friends we are traveling with helped me swap out the wye. It took two of us to get the hose off the engine outlet.

Thanks to everyone for the help!

Al