Small leak around reservoir, other spots, rough idle and squeal

JESTES32

MEMBER
2008 DODGE CHARGER
5.7L
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
95,000 MILES

After replacing my serpentine belt and lower radiator hose thinking that the lower radiator hose had a leak. I drove it and within time it started to overheat and belt squealing, gets louder with the higher mph. My heater will not turn on nor will the fan blow or turn on it seems like and the coolant is leaking from the bottom hose of the radiator where there's two stacked on top one another. Just not 110% sure and not sure how many other training videos I can watch and not get the answer I am looking for.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

What I suggest is to pressure test the cooling system. I have a feeling it may be coming from the water pump. There is a weep hole on it which will leak when the seal or bearing in the pump starts going bad. That will make its way to the serpentine belt. The only way to confirm that is the issue is to pressure test the system; otherwise, it becomes a guessing game.

Here is a link that explains how it is done. You will need a pressure tester, but most times, a parts store will lend one to you. Once the system is pressurized (cold engine), you can get in there and see where it is coming from. If it is the pump, you will have to look behind the pulley on the pump to see if it is wet.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

Do this and let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe