2001 Dodge Ram Coolant leak

KLDDET

MEMBER
2001 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
117,000 MILES

This is the 5.2 liter Dodge motor. I have a coolant leak after the truck warms up. I cannot find the leak anywhere. It is originating from the motor, and not the radiator. The hoses are fine, and I see no evidence that the leak is coming from the connection where the thermostat is. It seems to me that I probably have a bad water pump, and using the Haynes manual I attempted to check this out and possibly repair it. Problem is that I cannot remove the fan. The picture in the book looks nothing like my truck. The manual says I need a 36mm fan wrench, but I do not see where I am supposed to use it, the nut on my truck is an inch and a half wide, not thin like the fan wrench. So how do I remove the fan?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,708 POSTS

Is the fan clutch the problem? There is a special tool. However, I usually take the 36mm open end and (leave the belt on) smack the wrench with a dead blow hammar. After 3 or 4 hits the nut comes loose.

Since yours sounds different, is it possible to take a picture and upload it?

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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 AT 9:06 AM

KLDDET

MEMBER
1 POST

Jacobandnickolas-
Thank you for your reply. I ended up having the job completed at a shop, and alas I still do not know how they removed the fan. I actually did take pictures to upload for my original post but they were of such poor quality that I decided not to. The bolt in the manual was very thin like the fan wrench, however when I looked at my motor, the corresponding bolt was an inch or more wide. As you can probably tell, I am a newbie, and I may have been looking in the wrong place - although I don't think I was! In the end, it was a bad waterpump and I am in good shape now. Again, I do appreciate your response. Thank you.

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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 AT 1:28 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,708 POSTS

You were looking at the right bolt. 36mm and about 1" wide between the fan clutch and the water pump pulley. There is a special tool, but they are a pain to use. And, if you rent one from the parts store, it won't work on a Chrysler even though they say it is universal. The easyiest way to remove the clutch is the way I described. Trust me, I've tried many ways.

Regardless, I'm glad you got it fixed. If you have questions in the future, let us know.

Joe

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Tuesday, May 12th, 2009 AT 1:35 PM