They need to UV Dye test it instead of doing the shotgun method.
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Coolant Smell
- Thread starter scr141
- Start date
They need to UV Dye test it instead of doing the shotgun method.
Noticed a coolant smell on my 2022 HO recently. 24k on the truck. Crawled under to do my oil change and noticed a dried red streak on a few components under the truck. Followed it up and found a small leak at the back of the head. 1/2” drive plug is either not tight or the thread sealant didn’t do its job. I have an appointment this week for them to address it. My coolant is a little low.
Definitely something to check. The plug is almost impossible to see from the ground or above the truck. I was able to reach in the area with my camera and take some blind pictures. (See attached)
Also, another thing to keep in mind is the EGR cooler. You have coolant there at all times. They were, at one time, prone to cracking internally. When this happens you may start to see traces soot in the coolant, or traces of coolant in the oil (or both). A $16 oil analysis will tell you if there is evidence of coolant contamination in the oil, among other things. I would inspect the area around the EGR cooler as often times, if there is an external leak there, it will rapidly dry up because of the hot components in that area. Although you are picking up the smell at the front right corner, it could just be making its way out at that location from the fan spinning and moving air etc.
Definitely something to check. The plug is almost impossible to see from the ground or above the truck. I was able to reach in the area with my camera and take some blind pictures. (See attached)
Also, another thing to keep in mind is the EGR cooler. You have coolant there at all times. They were, at one time, prone to cracking internally. When this happens you may start to see traces soot in the coolant, or traces of coolant in the oil (or both). A $16 oil analysis will tell you if there is evidence of coolant contamination in the oil, among other things. I would inspect the area around the EGR cooler as often times, if there is an external leak there, it will rapidly dry up because of the hot components in that area. Although you are picking up the smell at the front right corner, it could just be making its way out at that location from the fan spinning and moving air etc.
Yeah you’re telling me. Glad it won’t be on my to-do list. It’s a five minute job, with about an hours worth of contortion and cussing to get to it. I had a guy online trying to argue with me that it’s a five minute job….literally can’t see it or reach it unless I wedge myself between the frame and the motor mounts. A top-side creeper would help, but you’re still going to be working blind under the dash and behind all the egr and manifold.
It looks wet above that plug.
I couldn’t tell for sure as I was taking pictures blind. But I agree, it definitely looks wet above but almost looks like oil? I guess we’ll find out when they tear into it Tuesday morning. This will be the 12th time in 14 months since new that this truck has returned to my ordering dealer for warranty work…
2 trips for a DEF “Reductant no flow” code and DEF injector replacement
2 trips for a front end alignment issue
4 trips for corrosion starting under the clear coat on both outer rear aluminum wheels
2 trips for tires, one to install and then a subsequent return because they didn’t line the dually valve stems up correctly
1 trip for an engine hood insulation replacement
1 trip for a coolant / oil leak
I’ve never been back to the dealer so many times for a single vehicle. I’m glad they gave me a stellar price when I ordered it. I guess I should count myself lucky the K1 snap ring hasn’t failed on mine….yet…..
I should have done that but most assuredly they will balk due to the LED puck lights installed.
I fixed mine with bailing wire.
rfullen280
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I found the source of my coolant smell - the block heater plug - a crap-ton of built up dried coolant around/below it.
Any idea what size wrench fits that thing?
Any idea what size wrench fits that thing?
I'll have to check mine...
rfullen280
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Ya, I plan to get in there with an Any/16th's tomorrow. Gonna have to pull the airbox to turbo tube to make access a little more tolerable.
rfullen280
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223500DRW
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soo glad I sold mine to a dealer with 17828 miles on it. they only gave me 76k but now im.problem and headache free. I too had the coolant smell. my coolant level.was low once all they did was top it off because today's mechanics at dealers are mostly trash parts throwers that don't know anything about vehicles. this is why I do all my own work. these 22s just seem to be a big pos and some are good some are bad but ram won't fix anything without codes even with videos of proof of issues happening and techs either witnessing it or not able to duplicate. glad I went backwards 18yrs to a def free diesel.
flan
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That’s for sure.....
I've had no issues getting any problems fixed by my dealer.
Bed/cab alignment (on delivery)
interior trim piece fixed - installed incorrectly from the factory
Oil leak (done as part of Y78 recall)
Y78 HPFP recall
windshield trim
wiper recall - they did this in the customer bay while inspecting for the Y78 parts order
tailgate recall - asked them not to ouch it and mark it complete. They could check if they wanted but were not to make any adjustment without my express consent.
HVAC TSB - did have minor issue with the inside trim on one side and
rear passenger seat belt/retractor replaced
The only thing I really had to push hard was to get them to order a harmonic balancer (still waiting)... Took 3 complaints and a video.
I've not had a single issue with my 12" UC4 system. All in all the truck has been great.
BlueOx2500
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I'm experiencing the same symptoms...need to figure out that the issue is now...thanks for sharing.
So far on my 2022 HO:
Coolant plug on the back of the head leaked and was replaced.
Still lost coolant slowly.
They replaced the coolant bottle.
Still lost coolant slowly.
They replaced the EGR cooler.
Still lost coolant slowly.
Found the block heater leaking now, slowly. It goes in on the 28th for that.
Coolant plug on the back of the head leaked and was replaced.
Still lost coolant slowly.
They replaced the coolant bottle.
Still lost coolant slowly.
They replaced the EGR cooler.
Still lost coolant slowly.
Found the block heater leaking now, slowly. It goes in on the 28th for that.
rfullen280
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That'll be your leak right there. I had the same one. You can't see it very good unless you take out your Airbox-Turbo tube or the inner wheel well lining. Was an easy fix - just a turn or two....
I wonder who puts the block heaters in - Cummins or Ram?
I wonder who puts the block heaters in - Cummins or Ram?
flan
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Cummins
Had an issue under
After the replacing the block heater, coolant lines, etc..... it was a freeze plug! Glad it was under warranty. Coolant dripped down the side of the block, onto block heater plug, turbo lines etc..... giving the dealership guy other thoughts of the problem.
Note I didnt call him/her a mechanic.
Turbo Coolant return line-2022 Ram 2500 Cummins
After the replacing the block heater, coolant lines, etc..... it was a freeze plug! Glad it was under warranty. Coolant dripped down the side of the block, onto block heater plug, turbo lines etc..... giving the dealership guy other thoughts of the problem.
Note I didnt call him/her a mechanic.
Dealer called at 1:00pm today. They’re going to fix the coolant leak around the block heater and replace the element itself but they won’t have it for a week or so. At first they said they couldn’t find any coolant leaking, but after emailing them pictures I took (posted in this thread previously) they called back and said they found it and are going to address it. They also said the truck passed pressure test.