Coolant question

I haven't had to add for the past 190k miles except when the water pump started weeping. I'm guessing you already looked at that and looked for puddles too. Things to look at include your oil for contamination and another weeping/leaking location is underneath by the turbo. There is a short piece of "heater" type hose that has the kind of clamps that have a history of coming loose. Check that for tightness. Also, the tube that runs from the radiator cap area (for over pressure relief) should be dry at the end. If it is wet, your cap is relieving pressure. Might be good news (bad cap, replace), might be bad news (system over pressuring).

Have you ever sent a sample of your used oil to a lab for analysis? They will tell you if there is any antifreeze in your oil as well as a lot of other stuff. I use Blackstone

FMB (North Mexico)

Suddenly, without warning, FMB exclaimed (5/30/2010 11:56 AM):

I second the thought of a bad radiator cap, I've had that problem with my 2001 Dakota.

jmc

How much does that cost, and how much oil does one send?

Steve

If you go to their site, it will show you how to order a FREE test kit

Just out of curiosity, what did that sound like?

beekeep

Didn't sound like anything, just the truck started overheating (coincidentally after a flush), and when I looked under the hood, there was fluid everywhere. I thought the shop hadn't put it back on right, but it kept happening. A new radiator cap fixed the problem.

jmc

Well worth the $ IMHO. I test my oil at every change.

Mike

and I refill it.

empty. I filled it.

often should one have

If there's no coolant in the oil or on the ground that leaves one place - out the exhaust.