1998 Dodge Dakota leaky radiator

UNIVERSALFREEDOM13

MEMBER
1998 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

Our radiator is leaking and we are having to add more coolant every day or every other day. We have to do a 20 hour drive home on monday and cant afford to go to a mechanic until we get there. We thought about using that radiator stop leak stuff but heard that it can mess up the water pump so we have not used it yet. What do you suggest we do?

2 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

If you can't afford to fix it until after the trip then the best thing to do is just keep a close eye on the water level during the trip and bring lots of extra water to keep it filled. Any type of stop leak product will do more harm than good in the long run, it will just make a mess on the inside of the system.

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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM

BEEF99

MEMBER
152 POSTS

Do not put stop leak in your vehicle, Dodge's vehicles have smaller holes in their heater cores and they will plug up and then you will have a real problem. Like the other guy said, just keep an eye on the water level bu you could also get a radiator from a junk yard that may be in better shape and get you by. I honestly suggest you find a way to replace the radiator before leaving because it may leave you stranded on such a long journey whether or not you keep an eye on it. With a leak like that, your radiator could give way and you may not be able to keep any fluid in it at all and if your truck overheats, it could permanently damage your engine.

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Monday, November 16th, 2020 AT 11:47 AM