Radiator or heater core problem?

Asked by Abummedoutintrepidow... Apr 01, 2009 at 06:39 PM about the 2003 Dodge Intrepid

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Yesterday I noticed that my defroster/heat was not working very well on my 2003
Dodge Intrepid. ON and off over the last week or two I have smelled a faint
hint of antifreeze burning and when I checked the antifreeze level, it looked
low. Well when I turned onto my street tonight I noticed steam coming out from
under the hood, and when I pulled in the driveway, my care was in full steam
from under the hood mode and smelled terribly of burning antifreeze - and
there's antifreeze on the ground under the car.
When I opened the hood, there is antifreeze sprayed all under the hood and
puddled on top of the engine - something at the very front and center of the
engine area that has a bolt or screw on top - looks like it has blown off due
to pressure.
Has anyone got any ideas on what I am looking at here? Any help would be
GREATLY appreciated!!!
Thanks!

2,245

Jacob answered 15 years ago

could be a few things, but if it was your heater core the steam would be coming out of the heater vents/you would have a coolant smell in the car, i would say it was a water pump gasket, although it is impossible to say from here. try to run the engine when its not too hot while looking for leaks, it would be much easier to pin point, especially if the engine was dry at the time. if it has the rad hose going into it, like i am picturing in my head its likely the thermostat housing, a pressure check at a local garage will quickly find the issue

Mark helpful

cgaball answered 12 years ago

water outlet housing. ive replaced twice. if you don't bleed the system pressure builds up and blows the housing. you will have to replace the housing and gasket, refill with coolant and bleed any air.

2 people found this helpful.

Mark helpful