[Clovishellcat]

Just got back from Dodge after doing an oil change and the paperwork said I had a coolant leak. Didn’t get much else from the oil change tech besides I will need to set up an appointment for it to be diagnosed $$$.
I took some pics of where it was coming from. Any ideas on if this is an easy fix. 2016 Charger Hellcat 20k miles.

 

[797rdeye]

Just got back from Dodge after doing an oil change and the paperwork said I had a coolant leak. Didn’t get much else from the oil change tech besides I will need to set up an appointment for it to be diagnosed $$$.
I took some pics of where it was coming from. Any ideas on if this is an easy fix. 2016 Charger Hellcat 20k miles.


it says took some pics of were it was coming from,so then you already know were it started? looks like salt spots. if youdont know were its leaking from you can go to auto zone and with they will loan you a tool. get a pressure tester that will simulate running pressure . goes on radiator and it pumps up.has a gauge . pump up to correct pressure and watch the needle to see if it holds pressure at the same time you are looking for a leak.



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[797rdeye]

on your radiator cap should says the correct lbs of pressure for the system. dont go past that. also the pressure tester can test the seal on your cap also

 

[Spartacus]

From those pics, if I were you....

I'd take off the thermostat housing, replace the thermostat, and replace that spring hose clamp with a screw down hose clamp.

Then top off coolant and check it for leaks.

Also, not pleasant to think about, but check for signs of bad head gasket.
Check color of oil, bubbling in coolant tank, etc.

 

[797rdeye]

i would agree with spartacus those spring clamps are no good. i just like to find out were its coming from first before taking anything apart. thats why if you did take it to the dealer first thing they would do is to pressure test it.

 

[ledft]

I realize you have a 2016 but it seems there was a service bulletin or maybe even a recall on 2015s regarding upper radiator hose clamps. Some of them were blowing off at high RPMs. I think the fix was double clamps. I can look at mine later to verify where the double clamps are.

 

[rayzazoo]

Radiator Hose Leak

All Challenger Hellcats built on or before February 5, 2015

TSB NUMBER: 07-005-15
GROUP: Cooling
DATE: March 21, 2015
SUBJECT: Intermittent Coolant Weepage From Upper Radiator Hose
OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves installing an additional clamp on the upper radiator hose

RADIATOR HOSE FIX

Today I put on the extra hose clamp, I got one from BMW because theirs are smaller in width and made better. A couple pointers, the hose clamp when apart was so hard with one hand to get connected it took over an hour just to connect it. Then when I tried screwing it from the top. THIS YOU DONT...

www.hellcat.org

 

[GreenMachine15]

I like where this was going at the end, not the sky is falling theory above.
Obviously it is the connection of the upper rad hose. I would take that hose clamp off and clean that crunchy dried coolant off of the hose and the water neck. Throw away that clamp. If the hose end is loose like the waste band of grandpaps old tighty whiteys, either cut an inch or two off the hose, or replace it. Use a nice clamp like this instead of a ugly worm clamp.
Or buy a new one from dodge.
Good luck.

 

[baabootoo]

I like where this was going at the end, not the sky is falling theory above.
Obviously it is the connection of the upper rad hose. I would take that hose clamp off and clean that crunchy dried coolant off of the hose and the water neck. Throw away that clamp. If the hose end is loose like the waste band of grandpaps old tighty whiteys, either cut an inch or two off the hose, or replace it. Use a nice clamp like this instead of a ugly worm clamp.
Or buy a new one from dodge.
Good luck. View attachment 587590 View attachment 587591 View attachment 587592

Good info all. I will check mine right away today. Yes, hopefully the metal neck won't be corroded.

 

[Clovishellcat]

Radiator Hose Leak

All Challenger Hellcats built on or before February 5, 2015

TSB NUMBER: 07-005-15
GROUP: Cooling
DATE: March 21, 2015
SUBJECT: Intermittent Coolant Weepage From Upper Radiator Hose
OVERVIEW: This bulletin involves installing an additional clamp on the upper radiator hose

RADIATOR HOSE FIX

Today I put on the extra hose clamp, I got one from BMW because theirs are smaller in width and made better. A couple pointers, the hose clamp when apart was so hard with one hand to get connected it took over an hour just to connect it. Then when I tried screwing it from the top. THIS YOU DONT...

www.hellcat.org

View attachment 587589

seems like most are having issues with the hose part that feeds into the radiator. I may try pulling the hose up and doubling up the clamps by the upper most portion of the hose

 

[ledft]

Just looked at mine. I guess they were double clamped at the radiator from the factory after the 2015 TSB. I only have a single clamp at the engine end. I suppose I’ll keep an eye on it but so far no sign of weeping with over 110K miles 🤞

 

[audocat]

I like where this was going at the end, not the sky is falling theory above.
Obviously it is the connection of the upper rad hose. I would take that hose clamp off and clean that crunchy dried coolant off of the hose and the water neck. Throw away that clamp. If the hose end is loose like the waste band of grandpaps old tighty whiteys, either cut an inch or two off the hose, or replace it. Use a nice clamp like this instead of a ugly worm clamp.
Or buy a new one from dodge.
Good luck. View attachment 587590 View attachment 587591 View attachment 587592

I have no leaks but I would like to swap to the clamps in the first pic! They just look so...........well like something that would be on the green machine! Have a link or brand?

 

[Frosty]

Just get a new Mopar upper radiator hose. They are only $45 at rock auto and come with the correct clamps ready to go.

While in there you can change the thermostat too as preventative maintenance. Just don't get a cheap one.

I think we forget that the earlier cars are getting in age to where regular maintenance types of things will start to pop up. I'm doing upper and lower on my car this spring as preventative maintenance. Cost $120 for both upper and lower Mopar radiator hoses. Cheap insurance IMHO before the summer hits.

 

[Frosty]

See what I mean? They couldn't make it any easier if you buy Mopar.

 

[2ndAmend]

I agree with Frosty. Be sure to clean the neck of the spout. Absolutely would not hurt to change the thermostat (and seal). Maybe pressure test or just order a new cap ($17). I recommend rockauto.com.

Also, about time to flush the system and replace the coolant.

 

[GreenMachine15]

I wouldn't waste your time or money changing parts that are not bad. You have a better chance of putting in something defective, so wait till you need it. Definitely check the neck for pitting, but it should be fine.

 

[ceebydeeby710]

Frosty, can I come over to play?

 

[2ndAmend]

I agree with not changing parts that are not necessary, but rubber parts have a life and the hose is short money. I would at least do that.

 

[baabootoo]

Here's mine at 51K. This looks

original right?

 

[Frosty]

Frosty, can I come over to play?

Of course. In central texas and all are welcome but bring your own parts