99 Dodge Dakota leaking a lot of oil, but not sure where from.
65

Asked by Avila_Raab Apr 25, 2020 at 11:38 PM about the 1999 Dodge Dakota

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

(Forgive me, I don't know a l about engines) It seems like it's leaking from front and rear seal and from somewhere on the back side of the driver's side head cover. After I drive for a little bit, there will be oil pooled on the bolting flange of the head cover, that appears to be leaking down the back side of the engine, down to the oil pan and onto the front axle. The whole engine and compartment are so filthy (It's not my truck) that it's hard to be certain where it's coming from. If it is a leak from a hose or something and the front and rear seals are leaking, is it worth the time and money to fix?

3 Answers
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Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago

Thank you. I mentioned the front and rear seals, because after driving for longer, I do see liquid dripping of the timing cover, and I just cleaned the heck out of the transmission cover and the dirt was really saturated with oil, like it was almost liquid. It could be that the oil that's coming from the valve cover is getting to both of those places though. I live in Albuquerque, NM and I don't know any half decent mechanics that have any time for the next couple of months. Maybe I should start with valve cover and see how it goes. In this market and with trucks condition, I would get much over $1500 and that's if I fixed it. I've never take off a valve cover before, if there is a leak there, will I just have to replace the gasket?

Mark helpful
65

Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago

Great, thanks again. I'll switch out that gasket and see how it goes. Also, if it's too much I'll post it as a different question, but I have a power steering leak. It looks like it's coming from the rack and pinion gear. Right on the top, there's a rubber r plastic seal that is just dangling there. I read that you should replace the whole rack and pinion instead of just replacing the seals, that seems excessive and expensive, but I don't know. What do you think?

Mark helpful
65

Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago

Oh, I see. I guess that's why mechanics just replace them. Thanks again for all your help.

Mark helpful

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