2003 Dodge Ram coolant leak

Tiny
CABRERA121799
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE RAM
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 72,000 MILES
My resovoir overflow hose is seeping coolant. I replaced the radiator cap and still seeps. Not constantly only when truck at temperature and it doesn't run hot. What could it be?
Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 1:44 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Is it leaking from the hose or is there a crack in the nipple that the hose attaches to?

Joe
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Friday, February 27th, 2009 AT 8:40 PM
Tiny
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Its leaking from the hose not the attatch point likes the rad cap is venting. I also chabged the thermostat, no change.
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Saturday, March 28th, 2009 AT 5:14 PM
Tiny
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Hi:
Does the hose have a hole? Is it properly clamped where it attaches? (I realize these seem like basic questions, but I need to eliminate everything)

Joe
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Monday, March 30th, 2009 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
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It doesnt have a hole.
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Monday, March 30th, 2009 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
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Ok, the cap is good, the hose is good, the nipple where the hose is attached isn't leaking or cracked. This is a good one. Is there any way you could take a picture and upload it for me to see from different angles?

Also, I reviewed the prior postings, and you mentioned, " like the rad cap is venting." How many pound cap did you replace the old one with? I believe the OEM is 15PSI. Also, it is normal for it to release when it gets to that pressure. Is the new one a lower rating?

Joe
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Monday, March 30th, 2009 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
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Yes the OEM on the 2003 was 15 or 16 but when I bought the cap at the dealer they gave me a 17PSI and said this was the alternate. The coolant is actually seeping through the hose not around it. You can see the puddle residue in the second picture.


http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/324234_P3310001_1.jpg



http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/324234_P3310005_1.jpg



http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/324234_P3310002_1.jpg

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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
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Thanks for the picture. Now I see what you are saying. First, I realize you got the cap from a dealer, but double check it (pressure test, proper fit). If it's good, something is causing too much pressure to build. If you have the cap off (cold) and start the truck, does the coolant get forced out? Is the coolant level too high in the tank? Is the truck running properly (possible head gasket)?
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Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 AT 9:26 PM

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