Is this a headgasket leak?

[DodgeBruhBoy]

Is this a head gasket leak? (See pics)

 

I've had some issues with over heating, and it turned out that the thermostat was the issue and has since been fixed, but the coolant keeps dropping at the radiator but not from the reservoir. There no coolant leaks or etc either.  Now my engine is running at 205-225 degrees, but isnt actually overheating (Anymore). There is no check engine lights right now.

 

I have a warranty that ends at 90K miles and I'm currently at 82K miles, ive taken my car to the shop multiple times because the check engine light occasionally pops on and then turns off....but its been a few weeks since its done that. Multiple shops said the warranty will not cover it if there is no check engine light, or if the car is not broken. The dealer and two other mechanic shops (in network warranty) quoted me $500-$700 if they have to open it up and if the warranty doesn't cover it.  My car is a 2019 dodge journey se 4cyl 2.4L

Any thoughts or suggestions? 

Edited July 10, 2025 by DodgeBruhBoy

[larryl]

Why not pressure test the system?

That would show you where the coolant is going no obvious leaks then it has to be internal

Those 4cyl engines do not like to be overheated

[DodgeBruhBoy]

We did that a few weeks ago, and there was no leak. That was done at the dealer, I forgot to mention that they pulled a camshaft code, and then stated they wanted to inspect the heads for damage. But the car is running fine, and is being driven every day except for the fact that its running hotter.

 

 

 

 

[John/Horace]

Could add combustion gas indicator to the glycol, drive a bit then sample. If it's their dime being spent on cylinder inspection, let them. What does analogue heat gauge show, is it also showing higher? A cheap thermostat could be allowing a little higher temps, or was it an OEM stat ?

 

My daughter in laws 2.4 has had several glycol drips that had to be fixed. The plastic manifold on side of engine is a common issue. Gates has an OEM one that comes with new thermostat for cabin heat, and a few o rings. Not as well made as the more expensive OEM unit. If warranty try to make them use OEM.

 

A drip can evaporate and not leave much evidence, will eventually leave organge-ish stain that can be seen by a motivated shop. Temp sensor oring  on coolant manifold was last drip I fixed on a 2.4. A small drip will drop  level over a few days but not cause overheating. Pics of manifold. Head gasket leak is undrivable overheating, so not likely your problem.

 

 

 

Edited July 11, 2025 by John/Horace

[Dean H]

Replace the radiator cap.

(Engine cold).

 

Edited July 11, 2025 by Dean H

[Dean H]

I would check to see if the electric radiator fan is working correctly.

 

If you can find someone with a bi-directional code scanner.

 

It can test the radiator fan high speed and low speeds.

 

If not, check does the radiator fan run when you turn the Max AC on?

 

Edited July 11, 2025 by Dean H

[DodgeBruhBoy]

On 7/11/2025 at 3:36 PM, Dean H said:

Replace the radiator cap.

(Engine cold).

 

Already did that, and we saw a little improvement. But still going low a little bit, not as much as it use to. 

 

The only leak I can find was the ones in the photo, and im wondering if thats the headgasket, and if so....they will cover it.

[DodgeBruhBoy]

On 7/11/2025 at 4:00 PM, Dean H said:

I would check to see if the electric radiator fan is working correctly.

 

If you can find someone with a bi-directional code scanner.

 

It can test the radiator fan high speed and low speeds.

 

If not, check does the radiator fan run when you turn the Max AC on?

 

Awesome, Ill ask around asap and post back. 

[Dean H]

This is the scanner screenshot 

of the radiator cooling fan tests.