My truck won't start and radiator reservoir fills with pressure
Asked by Kagedmunkey38 Oct 31, 2023 at 05:14 PM about the 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I blew a hose going from my block to heater core I
replaced it and crankshaft sensor cause it would not
start. Got it to start but blew water out my tailpipe so
quickly shut it off. Had it towed home but now all it's
doing is turning over and building pressure that smells
like gas or exhaust in my radiator. Could this be the
heads the head gasket? I'm trying to do work myself so
that I can save money. Is my engine shot?
5 Answers
Kagedmunkey38 answered 11 months ago
Not worth fixing? Then explain what you think I should do if not fix?
Trade it in as is or sell it for scrap. The time and money you'd spend fixing this 21 year old vehicle will be much better spent on something newer that wants to run. Replacing head gaskets is a major job which involves a trip to the machine shop to pressure test the heads and check for warpage. Then you'll be disconnecting wiring harnesses, vacuum hoses, air conditioning components, etc. that haven't been touched since the truck was built. Not to mention the broken exhaust manifold bolts and God only knows what other things will break and snap off as soon as you touch them. I can guarantee if you proceed with this it will not go back together right and it will not run right afterwards! BTW, I'm not just talking about you doing this yourself, I'm also saying a shop won't be able to do it right either. This is why I said it's not worth fixing. Jim
Kagedmunkey38 answered 11 months ago
Yeah well I'm still paying on the vehicle so scrap isn't a option and I am sure I won't get much of anything for as is trade in. So think about engine swap
I see, well that does create a problem. But, it's also a good thing. You already have a car payment figured into your monthly budget. So, how much would your payment go up and how much can you afford, comfortably, without strapping yourself? This is one of the few situations that I suggest trading in a vehicle that money is still owed on. I was in the same situation years ago and that's what I did. The amount you owe will be added to the loan for the new vehicle. I bet it won't increase your new payment by much. The question is how much will it increase over your current monthly payment and will that work for you. Using the money you'd be putting into your old truck plus the truck itself should be enough to get you into something else. Yes, in the short term, you'll be losing money. But over the long run you'll be saving money, time, and aggravation. Even if you get a truck that's 6 years old today and finance it for 5 years it'll be 11 years old when it's paid for. So you'll still be ahead. Based on your current truck you could possibly get another 10 years out of it. I'd suggest shopping around at a few local dealers and see what they can do for you. Not those little used car lots, new car dealers. They all have a used car department and offer a better selection and better financing options. Chances are if you're currently in a buy here pay here agreement your monthly payments won't change much. I hate seeing people spend good money after bad and I think that's what you'll be doing. Especially if you've been putting money in this vehicle already. Jim