14 Ram 1500 Exhaust Manifold replaced -- now coolant leak

[zeus2120]

So I had the famous Hemi Tick for quite some time and took it to my local dealer noting that I either have a lifter issue or broken bolts on the exhaust manifold (thanks Ram Forum for helping me pinpoint the issue!). Service writer confirmed to me that three bolts were broken and the manifolds would be replaced under warranty. Great! Fixed in two days and I was on my way with a nice quiet Hemi.

Until today -- I discovered a pool of coolant on my driveway. Im bracing for something major and hoping to get the truck back to the dealer tomorrow. Anyone on here have insight as to what exhaust manifold work might have caused a coolant leak?

 

[Blstrick55]

Sounds like they drilled too far when removing the bolts and hit the water jacket.

 

[NJMOPAR]

Yup, new cylinder head in your future.
Make them give you a free loaner truck while you wait on the repair.

If you're lucky maybe they just damaged a heater hose (they run along the right head)

 

[Tach_tech]

Sounds like they drilled too far when removing the bolts and hit the water jacket.

Most likely. That’s exactly why you shouldn’t drill it out trying to remove it. Takes way to long, and a lot of room for mistakes.

 

[PoMansRam]

I'm trying to think of any coolant hoses or fittings that could be disturbed during a hemi exhaust manifold job... Hopefully it's that and not a cyl head, unless they have to do both heads, with all new lifters and cam!

 

[jws123]

Sounds like they drilled too far when removing the bolts and hit the water jacket.

What I dont understand is why anyone drills. I have had 100% success hitting the flush bolts with the welder making a lil nub then spinning them out the heat also breaks it free this method has never failed me.

 

[Tach_tech]

What I dont understand is why anyone drills. I have had 100% success hitting the flush bolts with the welder making a lil nub then spinning them out the heat also breaks it free this method has never failed me.

Either they don’t have a welder or don’t know how to, or they’ve never heard of doing it that way.

I weld every single one. Never failed to get one out. Did have one that was cross threaded from the factory, that one was interesting.

 

[zeus2120]

Sounds like they drilled too far when removing the bolts and hit the water jacket.

I hope if this is the case that they actually acknowledge its something related to replacing the Manifold. When I notified them of the leak they told me they will have to check and see if it's due to anything that they could have caused during the repair. There is virtually 0 chance that I sprung a coolant leak overnight that isn't due to their work the day before. I have a feeling they will want me to pay for any diagnostic unless they determine the repair caused the issue -- but how honest will they be? I'm hoping for a no charge pressure test. I'm already mentally gearing up for the battle of refusing patch work / sealant. My warranty expires in 10 days and I can only imagine how convenient it would be if they can make it a couple weeks before I have any additional major issues.

 

[Tach_tech]

I hope if this is the case that they actually acknowledge its something related to replacing the Manifold. When I notified them of the leak they told me they will have to check and see if it's due to anything that they could have caused during the repair. There is virtually 0 chance that I sprung a coolant leak overnight that isn't due to their work the day before. I have a feeling they will want me to pay for any diagnostic unless they determine the repair caused the issue -- but how honest will they be? I'm hoping for a no charge pressure test. I'm already mentally gearing up for the battle of refusing patch work / sealant. My warranty expires in 10 days and I can only imagine how convenient it would be if they can make it a couple weeks before I have any additional major issues.

More than likely they drilled to far and hit a coolant passage.

It’s not a 0% chance it’s unrelated. In my years as a tech I’ve seen lots of weird **** happen. It very well could be a coincidence, but you won’t know until they look at it. They more than likely will present you with a diag charge and if it’s something they did then that charge will go away.

You’re already getting upset over something you can’t control. Just chill and wait to see what they say. If it goes sideways then worry about it.

 

[zeus2120]

More than likely they drilled to far and hit a coolant passage.

It’s not a 0% chance it’s unrelated. In my years as a tech I’ve seen lots of weird **** happen. It very well could be a coincidence, but you won’t know until they look at it. They more than likely will present you with a diag charge and if it’s something they did then that charge will go away.

You’re already getting upset over something you can’t control. Just chill and wait to see what they say. If it goes sideways then worry about it.

You may be right. But the dealer experience around me the past five years of owning a Ram leads to extreme PTSD when something goes wrong lol

 

[Bigskyroadglide]

What I dont understand is why anyone drills. I have had 100% success hitting the flush bolts with the welder making a lil nub then spinning them out the heat also breaks it free this method has never failed me.

Not everyone owns a welder or has welding experience. I drilled mine, took my time went slow and got the broken bolts out easily. I had most of the tools and didn’t have to buy a welder. But I’m not everybody and if I did own a welder, I probably would have used it.

 

[jws123]

Not everyone owns a welder or has welding experience. I drilled mine, took my time went slow and got the broken bolts out easily. I had most of the tools and didn’t have to buy a welder. But I’m not everybody and if I did own a welder, I probably would have used it.

The way I look at it is harbor freight sells a $90 welder plus $30 helmet vs a really expensive head when you drill to far doesn't take any real welding exp tbh