Radiator crack but pressure test holding up. Any good tip to argue with Dealer?

[FatRam]

Hi,

I have 2022 RAM 1500 with 31000 miles on it. I still have warranty until May this year.

My truck got some strange sweet smell about month ago after long trip (like 1500 miles). I couldn't identify at first but later I figure it's related to cooling system. It smells like coolant. Instead of bringing to dealer and get nothing, I did dye test. Coolant was low but not empty so I think leak might not be major yet. It seems tiny crack below radiator cap. It's plastic side part left to radiator core. Coolant leak there didn't dry until morning. So though small, there seems to be leaky point.



Dealer started from presssure test but came out nothing. They are going to keep overnight to see if they can find further. If they refuse repair, is only option left is to solicite other dealers? I am willing to top off and I got gallon of new coolant ready. Any good tip other than pressure test?

Any advice is helpful for me. Thanks in advance!

 

[dajogejr]

Did you show the the picture and results of the dye test?
Silly question… but did you fill from the radiator cap or the overflow reservoir? Is there any chance this spot on the coolant neck was a result of spillage upon filling?
Just trying to remove any reasoning from the dealer….

 

[FatRam]

Yes, I showed pictures. I took many pictures and showed leak from various angle. Right after filling from radiator cap, I checked if there's any spillage.
What I read from various guys is that, pressure test doesn't detect small crack (not sure exactly what reason) but pressure from actual engine run is higher and dye test usually show that.
I am planning to wipe clean the area and going to take a video (about 10 min or so) showing coolant accumulation in that area which could be better argument.

 

[dajogejr]

Plastic, may need to heat up a bit more to show…

Good luck!