2008 Ram 1500 4.7L

[davidmohney]

Thanks for allowing me to join. I have a 2008 Ram 1500 with the 4.7, 191,000 miles. I bought it new. She has served me well but Friday the alternator went out so I replaced it. When I got the alternator off I saw I had some sort of leak directly under the alternator, Ive attached pictures. From what I can tell its the head gasket. There wasnt any fluid sitting there but its evident somethings leaking or has leaked. I run it and cant see fluid and have checked after its sat and cant find any. I havent had to add coolant and my oil looks good just looking at the dipstick. Coolant looks normal also. Any advice or someone thats had the same issue and can offer some insight would be much appreciated.

 

[KoboldTaco]

I’d get a combustion gas leak kit and test the coolant but your leak looks minimal IMHO. Maybe have the oil sent off for analysis too if your wanting to be very sure about contamination.

I look at things like this as seepage, weepage, and a full on leak. This looks like a very small weep and after feeling good about contamination, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[davidmohney]

Thanks, I've never put a water pump on it either, would you do it. I figure it will tell the truth.

 

[davidmohney]

Anybody else have input? Surely someone has had the same issue. Could the water pump have leaked or blowing stem out just below this?

 

[3pedals]

Surprised you haven’t done a water pump yet. My 08 4.7 6spd has 410k miles and I believe the water pump has been replaced twice so far (maybe 3 times). As mentioned above, if oil & coolant look good (not mixing) and you’re not losing any of either, leave it alone.

 

[Nate21]

Anybody else have input? Surely someone has had the same issue. Could the water pump have leaked or blowing stem out just below this?

My truck is currently leaking coolant from that same spot, what did you end up doing? Did you change head gasket, or have you continued driving on it?