2022 ram 1500 Laramie 40,000km ( Canadain truck ) coolant colour and grime ! Please help !!!

[Ramtowski]

Hello,

I’m reaching out for some advice regarding my 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie with 40,000 kilometers.

I recently noticed a faint coolant smell coming from the outside of the engine area when the engine is warm. It does not come through the vents inside the cabin, only from the engine bay.

I checked the coolant dipstick and it was completely dry. The dipstick itself had a chalky brown residue on it. I also opened the radiator cap (with the engine cold), and there was a slimy buildup around the edges. The coolant inside appeared to be a reddish-brown color. I’ve attached photos for reference.

Can anyone provide insight into what might be happening or how serious this could be? I do have an appointment with Ram service next week, but I’m wondering if it is safe to drive the truck until then.

Any guidance would be appreciated

 

[Trooper4]

Hello,

I’m reaching out for some advice regarding my 2022 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie with 40,000 kilometers.

I recently noticed a faint coolant smell coming from the outside of the engine area when the engine is warm. It does not come through the vents inside the cabin, only from the engine bay.

I checked the coolant dipstick and it was completely dry. The dipstick itself had a chalky brown residue on it. I also opened the radiator cap (with the engine cold), and there was a slimy buildup around the edges. The coolant inside appeared to be a reddish-brown color. I’ve attached photos for reference.

Can anyone provide insight into what might be happening or how serious this could be? I do have an appointment with Ram service next week, but I’m wondering if it is safe to drive the truck until then.

Any guidance would be appreciated

Fill the reservoir to the cold mark and run it till warmed up and then check it. If it looks like a chocolate milk shake, there is a head gasket issue for sure. There may also be a head gasket leak to the outside of the head gasket area, that is really hard to see, but if you keep loosing coolant, that is most likely the culprit.

 

[Ramtowski]

Thank you for the update. Fill keep an eye on it.

 

[Coolzzy]

Could also be the oil cooler leaking, that will get oil into the coolant and is a much easier fix than a head gasket. From my research, head gasket issues aren't really a thing with the hemi but anything is possible.