My truck won't start and radiator reservoir fills with pressure

20

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

20

Not worth fixing? Then explain what you think I should do if not fix?

1 people found this helpful.
157,625

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

1 people found this helpful.
20

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

1 people found this helpful.
157,625

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

Your Answer:

RAM 1500

Looking for a Used RAM 1500 in your area?

CarGurus has 71 nationwide RAM 1500 listings starting at $4,000.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    20,280
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,290
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
338 Great Deals out of 15,288 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
210 Great Deals out of 5,957 listings starting at $2,975
Used GMC Sierra 1500
138 Great Deals out of 7,231 listings starting at $3,950
Used Dodge RAM 2500
22 listings starting at $9,999
Used Toyota Tundra
34 Great Deals out of 1,163 listings starting at $8,500
Used Toyota Tacoma
60 Great Deals out of 1,065 listings starting at $8,708
Used Dodge Durango
40 Great Deals out of 2,254 listings starting at $5,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
15 Great Deals out of 1,298 listings starting at $8,995
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
25 Great Deals out of 1,210 listings starting at $7,995
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
107 Great Deals out of 3,230 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
22 Great Deals out of 922 listings starting at $11,900
Used Ford Mustang
61 Great Deals out of 1,274 listings starting at $4,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.