1987 Dodge Dakota

Reader Question: Hi,

The other day I was driving my 1987 Dodge Dakota and all of a sudden smoke came out from under the hood. Then I popped the hood and realized it was antifreeze going on the exhaust manifold and it looks like its coming from the water pump or the head gasket.

I was wondering if I have a blown head gasket or a bad water pump. How do I know for sure what it is?

Thank you!

Kyle

Hey Kyle,

You need to get a cooling system pressure test done FIRST if you cannot easily see the external leak.

You probably just have a hole in a radiator hose, water pump leak, or some other external coolant leak…and probably not a head gasket or some other internal engine damage.

Blessings,
Austin Davis