1998 Dodge Dakota Cooling

BRUDAN

MEMBER
1998 DODGE DAKOTA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
90,000 MILES

I replaced the thermostat, the water pump and the radiator. The engine itself is not overheating but I am getting alot of steam and mist from the radiator. I have checked the hoses for leaks and have not found any. I thought the old radiator was leaking and that is why I replaced it. This all started after I replaced the water pump.

Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 7:43 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi:
check near the waterpump and the lower and upper radiator hoses for pin holes. Chances are something is leaking under pressure. Also, you can get a pressure tester and hook it up to the radiator, pressurize the system and see if there is a leak.
Make sure the rad cap is good and the overflow hose isn't leaking down on to the radiator.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 8:05 PM

BRUDAN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The Rad cap is my next option. The one that is on there is a little rusted and a little loose (the spring is wiggly and spins). The overflow tube runs into the overflow tank and is not leaking into the radiator. All this happens when the pressure builds up in the system. Thank you and I will let you know.

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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 8:25 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi:
See if you can rent or borrow a pressure tester from the local parts store. That way you can pressurize the system and check for leaks without getting burrned. As far as the overflow, there should be a rubber hose running from the neck of the radiator to the jug. Make sure the hose isn't broken or dry rotted. It's most likely something really simple.

Joe

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Monday, January 26th, 2009 AT 8:52 PM