Well I walked into a dealership with "sucker" stamped across my forehead. I was on my way to gulf shores, hauling a jet ski, when my truck overheated into the red level. No local mechanic could look at it for weeks. Luckily there was a nearby Dodge dealer. I knew when I dropped the jet ski by the service bay, they were seeing dollar signs. (especially since I used to sell cars...)
Well... apparently the issue was a leaking water pump. My coolant was brown with rust. They said I needed a flush, new pump, thermostat while they were in there, and a new radiator cap because the old one was rusted. I just didn't want to be stuck in south Alabama so I approved the nearly $800 estimate.
Seven hours later, the truck is running great. I finish the rest of the trip with no issues. Drove many many hours and had no temps register over the middle of the gauge.
Fast forward to a month later. I'm now hauling my side by side to Talladega. I notice I am overheating and smell coolant. The buddy behind me sees that I have likely blown a radiator hose.
We stop and a hose has come off. The friend is a diesel mechanic and he immediately comes to the conclusion that the dealer forgot to reinstall the clamp. We put it back on, top off the radiator and resevoir (which is again already filled with disgusting brown rusted fluid) and head on our way.
The truck ran hot the rest of the trip. I kept my heater on just in case it may help. Before my next trip, I topped off the reservoir which was now below the minimum level. I drove the truck to the local lake, no issues.
This weekend, I drove approximately 10 miles and started to overheat. When I got to my destination, coolant was boiling over. I ended up having jet ski issues that day (perfect...) and it was dark before we left. I made it home with the temp gauge about 2/3s of the way to hot.
So here is where I need help- this dealership is five hours away. My mechanic friend said there is no way they flushed my coolant twice and it stilll looks that awful.
I have (supposedly) a brand new thermostat and water pump but now I have a truck that still overheats. I hate to go to another dealer or mechanic and be taken advantage of again.
The dealership in south Alabama has a two year warranty on parts and labor.
What in the world could be going on here? It's essentially boiling over like it would occasionally do before any of this mess started.
Well... apparently the issue was a leaking water pump. My coolant was brown with rust. They said I needed a flush, new pump, thermostat while they were in there, and a new radiator cap because the old one was rusted. I just didn't want to be stuck in south Alabama so I approved the nearly $800 estimate.
Seven hours later, the truck is running great. I finish the rest of the trip with no issues. Drove many many hours and had no temps register over the middle of the gauge.
Fast forward to a month later. I'm now hauling my side by side to Talladega. I notice I am overheating and smell coolant. The buddy behind me sees that I have likely blown a radiator hose.
We stop and a hose has come off. The friend is a diesel mechanic and he immediately comes to the conclusion that the dealer forgot to reinstall the clamp. We put it back on, top off the radiator and resevoir (which is again already filled with disgusting brown rusted fluid) and head on our way.
The truck ran hot the rest of the trip. I kept my heater on just in case it may help. Before my next trip, I topped off the reservoir which was now below the minimum level. I drove the truck to the local lake, no issues.
This weekend, I drove approximately 10 miles and started to overheat. When I got to my destination, coolant was boiling over. I ended up having jet ski issues that day (perfect...) and it was dark before we left. I made it home with the temp gauge about 2/3s of the way to hot.
So here is where I need help- this dealership is five hours away. My mechanic friend said there is no way they flushed my coolant twice and it stilll looks that awful.
I have (supposedly) a brand new thermostat and water pump but now I have a truck that still overheats. I hate to go to another dealer or mechanic and be taken advantage of again.
The dealership in south Alabama has a two year warranty on parts and labor.
What in the world could be going on here? It's essentially boiling over like it would occasionally do before any of this mess started.
