fluid leak under dash, passenger side

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jefechingon

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Location
Caldwell, TX
Ram Year
1996
Engine
5.2 V8
just acquired a 1996 dodge ram 2500 with v8 5.2L engine.
this morning, noticed fluid leaking from under dash at passenger side. fluid feels like an oil-base (not water). continued to seep periodically as i drove in to work this morning.

dash has been modified a bit....that is, original dash was brittle/breaking, previous owner [my brother, lol] rigged up own version of dash but definitely would not have affected the components behind the dash.

trying to decide what this leak is and determine whether need immediate repair (that is, a heater core leaking) or simply let it ride if its condenser/evaporator oil leak (i can live without AC, if needed).

thanks in advance
 

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gofishn

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hemi 5.7L, 345 cu in
Images are too small for me to see.
 

Elvira

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Sounds very much like the heater core is leaking. Not the quickest repair to do yourself, but would be much cheaper for you.
 

dodge dude94

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Heater core is bad.

RnR the dash and heater core.
 

1979PowerWagon360

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If it looks like coolant definitely heater core. If it is clear than consider that windshield or firewall may have developed leak.
 
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jefechingon

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Caldwell, TX
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1996
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5.2 V8
Thanks to all for responses.
Bypassed the heater core and leak has stopped. Yeah, I know, no heating in cab until replace the heater core - but its pretty damn warm in TX for the foreseeable future. LOL

Thanks again for your input.
 
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