Known Issue? Cold Weather Engine Coolant Leak?

[RAM1500TRDSMNCLAS]

Thanks in advance for providing access to helpful RAM Truck Forum. My First issue with new (used purchase for me) 2019 RAM 1500 Classic Tradesman - HEMI 5.7L V8. 80K
Recently started seeing consistent leaking light oil-colored droplets - not green, under the front engine area, suspected by Valvoline Team (they looked under neath and confirmed substance all over) to be linked to a known extreme cold Mopar engine coolant system part failure / cold weather crack?. I'm doing more online research to figure out what I am looking at here for estimated cost / labor - parts. More research & details: a past sweet smell inside the truck but no current temperature gauge or warning light issues. Valvoline didn't confirm oil leak or under engine area covered in substance. I checked oil - not low. Thanks for any insight.

 

[rzr6-4]

What do you consider to be "extreme cold"?

If you think it's an oil leak then why are you talking about the cooling system? Unless it's the oil cooler but I wouldn't refer to that as "the cooling system".

 

[EdGs]

Mopar OAT coolant turns from purple to a reddish orange after it gets hot, and can look that way at the filler neck.

I know of at least 8 (incluing mine) where the radiator leaked at a mold seam below the upper radiator hose.

Don't wait, pressure-test your system amd find that leak, BEFORE it bites you in the a$$.

Good luck and keep us posted what you find.

 

[Papa Red]

Welcome to the forum.

Red

 

[Daw14]

Have your trucks cooling system pressure tested

. I would find an independent shop, that friends or family has recommended.
I would not rely on oil changers for diagnosis on yours or any vehicle.

 

[DILLIGAF]

You dont even live were its cold.... lol...

And if there was a cold weather issue I'm sure all of us that deal with -40 during the winter when know about it.

You just got fed a bunch of b******* by guys that don't know what they're doing.

 

[Joe w.]

Welcome

 

[Harley Harrold]

 

[RAM1500TRDSMNCLAS]

Thanks for feedback and Welcome! ( @Daw14, @Papa Red, @Joe w., @Harley Harrold @EdGs ) I got appt at independent shop via a friend that recently had good experience there. Mechanic assessed truck based on my description above and results are below.

Did more research to learn more.
Seems that this part issue - notorious oil filter housing crack is heavily reported related to cold weather. Several report being victim of the "oil cooler leaking". Others are saying, Most of these oil cooler/housing leaks are not cracks, it is the seals leaking - others mention "replacing plastic with ** Dorman aluminum housing one".

Does this mechanic parts replace / $ estimate look like it jives?

March Mechanic Assess= $1400.00 (Labor $750)
-Remove upper engine intake manifolds and replace oil filter housing and spark plugs
- ($90)Gasket set /($144) 6 Champion Spark Plugs, Iridium Spark plug /($420) Mopar w/o sensor Engine Oil Filter Housing / Antifreeze 50/50

*Mopar Dorman Aluminum Oil Filter Housing With Element For 3.6L Engine ($239)

 

[Daw14]

In your first post and vehicle description it lists your engine as a 5.7 Hemi , but now you are saying it has a six cylinder.
This is confusing as they are different.
It makes it easier to get ideas of the problem, if we know what it is you are trying to fix .
Anyhow, glad you got it diagnosed.as far as cost , others need to come up with something.

 

[crash68]

Seems that this part issue - notorious oil filter housing crack is heavily reported related to cold weather. Several report being victim of the "oil cooler leaking".

This filter housing leak is on the 3.6L engines, not the Hemi. The Hemi had an oil cooler for a couple of years but it's a different design and don't recall hearing issues with them leaking.
If you have a Hemi V8 engine, that quote appears to be for a V6 and I probably wouldn't trust that mechanic.
On the Hemi the most likely leak is from the water pump. Other than that I don't think anything else is known for leaking, and nothing that jumps out due to extreme cold.

 

[RAM1500TRDSMNCLAS]

In your first post and vehicle description it lists your engine as a 5.7 Hemi , but now you are saying it has a six cylinder.
This is confusing as they are different.
It makes it easier to get ideas of the problem, if we know what it is you are trying to fix .
Anyhow, glad you got it diagnosed.as far as cost , others need to come up with something.

Yes, you are right. Sad to say, but this is first truck (bought @50K) - it made an incredible trip with me and this is first issue as new truck owner. This is all new. I got another estimate - now up to $1600. Not feasible at moment. Keep checking oil - does not go down. I want to research more on the coolant system as that is the color of what was leaking on drive. I check that level too - not going down. Thanks again for input. Much appreciated.

 

[RAM1500TRDSMNCLAS]

Meant to say - you are right: 3.6-liter V6

 

[Hagar1]

Have your trucks cooling system pressure tested

. I would find an independent shop, that friends or family has recommended.
I would not rely on oil changers for diagnosis on yours or any vehicle.

I would stay away from oi changers completely! I had one of those types steal an expensive part right out from my consul. I didn't notice in time so I was hooped!

 

[MrBonez]

Oil changers more or less just that.
I used to run an oil change and I can tell you myself, unfortunately alot of those guys aren't good for much anything else than being an oil jockey.

Taking it to a real shop is a good call and will also let you know how much $$ you're looking at if someone else does the work.
It's possible K-Seal stop leak can fix it and you can get it fixed properly later since any real work will cost money and from the looks of it, that's not going to be a cheap fix.

I have used it before on my old S10 that had a nusiance coolant leak I could never seem to get fixed right.
Poured a bit of that in, drove it around and it's been leak-free ever since, going on 4 years now.

However, like any sealing stuff you should treat it like a temporary fix until you can get the fix done right. Only reason my S10 still has it is due to it's high mileage (300K+) and the fact I rarely drive it anyway.