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Bob B.

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
My neighbor has a 1998 Dodge Truck with the V10. It only has 42000 miles and it keeps using water, he said it has always done that. My brother has similar Dodge with the 318 and it does the same thing. This doesn't seem normal, the last time this happened to my Chevy it had cracked heads. I am only asking because I may buy it to tow my 5th wheel camper. I am not a big fan of Dodge especially their electronic OD trannies, he is leasing the truck until next Feb. and I can get it for a pretty good price. Thanks
 
#2 ·
It doesn't sound right, that's for sure. I've heard, but never use them, that radiator shops can pressure test the cooling system and check for combustion gases in the coolent. Might be worth checking out.

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Pat Kelley
66 El Camino, daily driver
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#3 ·
It's definately not right. I've got a 97 Dakota with a 318 and have never had to add any water at all.

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Justin Earnhart
TC member #657
502 4-speed 67 SS
97 318 Dakota lowered on 17's
 
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#4 ·
It could be something as simple as a "leaky" (although very subtle) radiator cap...of course, less pressure would mean the water in there would boil at a lower temp and evarorate...

don't know if that is the problem, but definitely a possibility...

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I work to live, but make money for fun...when am I gonna start having fun?

John's '71 Malibu 383
 
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#5 ·
Now that you mention it, my reserve bottle on my 2K V10 is empty but the engine has never ever run even slightly hot. I used to have to keep adding to my 88 GMC 350 also. A pressure check might be a good idea just for piece of mind. But I've never heard a bad thing about the Dodge V10 and my experience with it so far has been great. It's a thirsty bugger but it pulls absolutely awesome.

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Mark
1970 SS454 LS6 (nom)
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"Fight Apathy - the disease no one cares about."
 
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Discussion starter · #6 ·
Thanks for the replys, I am going to check at the local radiator shops to see what a pressure test runs.
What kind of MPG does it get pulling?
The neighbor gets 10/14 but he has never pulled anything with it.
 
#7 ·
It depends on how heavy the load is. It should be good for about a 13,000 pound trailer and, if it's a 4x4, about 2800 lbs in the bed. I had about 2500 lbs of sand it in last week and that motor chugged like there was nothing in it and got around 9 mpg (city driving). As far as the trannies go, they do seem to have a bad rap. What I'm told is to make sure and keep it maintained (regular fluid/filter changes) if you pull a lot and you'll be fine. The tranny's getting over 400 ft-lbs dumped into it across 95% of the V10's powerband lugging a truck with (in my case) a 5900 lb curb weight. BTW, do you know what gears are in it (3.54 or 4.10)?

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Mark
1970 SS454 LS6 (nom)
-------------------------
"Fight Apathy - the disease no one cares about."
 
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Discussion starter · #8 ·
His truck has the towing package with the 4.10 gears and the tranny cooler. It's a 2 wheel drive long bed extended cab. My camper is about 8200 lbs loaded.
I called a local radiator shop that I have used before, he said try running the truck up to temp for about 30 minutes and see if the upper hose is firm. If it is firm then it is holding pressure. He said the thermostate could be opening late and cause this problem.
 
#9 ·
Bob-that guy blew you off. You may have SOME pressure in the system, but you need to have it tested at the RATED pressure to ensure the system's good. Don't forget the cap-that must hold to a certain pressure, and release above that-want to verify both. I'd recommend you find a different radiator shop.

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71 Ragtop, finally under reconstruction!
MCC #347, TC (Gold) #174
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