99 Dodge Dakota leaking a lot of oil, but not sure where from.
65

Asked by Avila_Raab Apr 25, 2020 at 11:38 PM about the 1999 Dodge Dakota

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

(Forgive me, I don't know a l about engines) It seems like it's leaking from front and rear seal and from somewhere on the back side of the driver's side head cover. After I drive for a little bit, there will be oil pooled on the bolting flange of the head cover, that appears to be leaking down the back side of the engine, down to the oil pan and onto the front axle. The whole engine and compartment are so filthy (It's not my truck) that it's hard to be certain where it's coming from. If it is a leak from a hose or something and the front and rear seals are leaking, is it worth the time and money to fix?

3 Answers
65

Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago

Thank you. I mentioned the front and rear seals, because after driving for longer, I do see liquid dripping of the timing cover, and I just cleaned the heck out of the transmission cover and the dirt was really saturated with oil, like it was almost liquid. It could be that the oil that's coming from the valve cover is getting to both of those places though. I live in Albuquerque, NM and I don't know any half decent mechanics that have any time for the next couple of months. Maybe I should start with valve cover and see how it goes. In this market and with trucks condition, I would get much over $1500 and that's if I fixed it. I've never take off a valve cover before, if there is a leak there, will I just have to replace the gasket?

Mark helpful
65

Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago

Great, thanks again. I'll switch out that gasket and see how it goes. Also, if it's too much I'll post it as a different question, but I have a power steering leak. It looks like it's coming from the rack and pinion gear. Right on the top, there's a rubber r plastic seal that is just dangling there. I read that you should replace the whole rack and pinion instead of just replacing the seals, that seems excessive and expensive, but I don't know. What do you think?

Mark helpful
65

Avila_Raab answered 4 years ago

Oh, I see. I guess that's why mechanics just replace them. Thanks again for all your help.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Dakota

Looking for a Used Dakota in your area?

CarGurus has 13 nationwide Dakota listings starting at $3,931.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Dodge Dakota Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Samantha Brown
    Reputation
    3,180
  • #2
    98DAK
    Reputation
    3,150
  • #3
    havoc_33
    Reputation
    2,120
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Dodge RAM 1500
5 Great Deals out of 87 listings starting at $5,000
Used Ford F-150
294 Great Deals out of 13,350 listings starting at $2,999
Used Ford Ranger
29 Great Deals out of 742 listings starting at $4,400
Used Toyota Tacoma
39 Great Deals out of 845 listings starting at $9,975
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
198 Great Deals out of 7,095 listings starting at $6,995
Used Dodge Durango
41 Great Deals out of 1,790 listings starting at $7,995
Used Nissan Frontier
19 Great Deals out of 607 listings starting at $8,995
Used Toyota Tundra
32 Great Deals out of 883 listings starting at $9,898
Used GMC Sierra 1500
130 Great Deals out of 8,354 listings starting at $2,888
Used Jeep Wrangler
144 Great Deals out of 5,808 listings starting at $6,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.