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1996 Dodge Ram Van 3500

Question: Replaced water pumps KEEP LEAKING

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96 Ram Van, American Fork, UT, February 13, 2010, 09:25

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96 Dodge Ram Van with a 318 ...Have put on 4 water pumps and they keep leaking at the weep hole and now at the timing chain cover. There is NO emissions in the radiator fluid and the heads are not cracked. It will not leak with the rad cap on loose which if there was a crack or high pressure build up, one would expect it to over flow. Have taken it to two different shops and they are both without an explanation. I am at my wits end and NEED HELP!

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Answer #1

Bret Bodas February 13, 2010, 09:55

Master

If the pump is leaking from the weep hole, then I would think the pump is bad. Where are you getting the pumps from? What brand and quality are they?
I can't see the leak, but are you 100% sure the leak isn't coming from somewhere else and it look like it's coming from the pump? We've all been fooled before, so I never rule these types of things out.

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96 Ram Van, February 13, 2010, 10:21

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Two different shops confirm it is leaking from the weep hole. THe last pump started leaking while it was being test driven after replacement. The water pumps being replaced cover NEW and remanufactured with cardone and master pro each. (4 times) Does one get FOUR bad water pumps in a row? ..seems highly unlikely... still, what is causing them to leak? Dont want to pay anothe shop to put a band-aid (another pump) without knowing what is causing them to go out!

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Bret Bodas, February 13, 2010, 10:35

Master

This is crazy, it just doesn't make sense, and I'm sure your very frustrated.
There is a site called IATN, and it has a database of information about problematic issues with auto repair, and they might have something like this in there. The problem is only technicians can access it, and only if they have an account. I would see if any of the shops you have been dealing with have access and see if they will look into this for you.
What I can't understand is why the shops are putting this on you, if they are replacing a part and the part is bad, then they should be working to get this resolved with the part manufacturer and you. Isn't there a part warranty that covers these parts and the labor?

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96 Ram Van, February 13, 2010, 12:55

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Yes, it IS CRAZY! The first pump went bad within a few months (few drips here and there) but within a year, it needed to be redone. Because it was over 6 months, the labor portion had to be paid again.. the part was free. After that one was changed, I have gone though 3 more within 1-2 months. The pump and labor has been free since, but they dont want to do it any more. So I went to another shop.. paid 120.00 for them to diagnose no cracked head or block and install a new belt tension er ... they drove it ...didnt leak... I drove it and it leaked a good puddle... the second shop wants 480.00 to put a new pump and timing cover(they know the first shop and will work to get a refund off the last pump) but what good is it to keep replacing pumps if it is NOT known what it causing them to go out?
Called Dodge... they want 300.00 to do the pump and 500.00 to do the timing chain cover... what crazy about Dodge is I am being charged to do two seperate jobs required at the same time.. meaning the water pump is bolted to the T.C cover and they have to take the pump off anyway. Thanks for the advice on the website... now if I can only find a shop who is not only familiar with it, but belongs also! (Still Frustrated!)

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Answer #2

Ram Van Man March 24, 2010, 08:28

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The radiator needs to be a 2 row core or better to relieve the pressure before the thermostat opens up.I had the same problem since replacing original waterpump and the radiator[2002]I went through 2 radiators and 4[Boschand Airtex] waterpumps until I replaced the radiator finally in 2010 with a Silla all aluminum [1 5/8" 2 row ,core radiator.

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Answer #3

Visitor, April 17, 2010, 15:04

put a sealer in the radiator this will stop it
put in 2 water pumps before and they always leaked

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Visitor, July 10, 2010, 10:45

That sealer your talking about will plug up everything. The heater core and your radiator will overheat to the point replacing both is your only option.The original radiator needs a two row aluminun replacement and a high volume water pump to keep the pressure at 16PSI on my 1996 Dodge 5.2L van.

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Answer #4

Visitor, July 09, 2010, 13:20

If you have around 100,000 miles it may be your timung chain cover. The 318 timing chain is notorious for getting a little slack in it and rubbing a hole in the cover next to the water jacket. H have exerienced this myself. Got the info from a friend who is a Mopar exert. Diagnosed the problem when the pros couldn't

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Answer #5

Visitor, August 29, 2010, 16:49

I'm wondering if the pumps you've been buying are some kind of cheap re-builds.

I suggest genuine NAPA parts.

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Visitor, September 30, 2010, 11:58

If water pump is replaced because of bearing/shaft damage or leaking shaft seal, the mechanical cooling fan assembly should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue cracks, loose blades or loose rivets that could have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan if any of these conditions are found. Also check condition of the thermal viscous fan drive. A vibration in the fan assembly can take out a water pump in no time.

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Visitor, February 24, 2011, 09:46

Go back to the shop that has to warranty the pump. Ask them to do the timing chain and replace the pump with a new pump from the dealer. If there a reputable shop they will cut you some slack on the price.
I have had so many master pro water pumps for dodge, jeep and honda fail that I no longer use them. Seems they have a problem with there front bearings/ bushings. There made in china mostly.

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