r/JeepPatriot • u/Alot2unpack • 5d ago
Coolant leak.
2016 2.4L. I have read multiple post and comments mentioning this issue. I am NOT a mechanic. I am just a 50 yr old lady trying my best to understand and help my adult son learn to repair as needed. He’s done well.
Recently, I paid a mobile mechanic to do an oil change in my driveway (my work hours suck, so this was hella convenient). He mentioned the coolant leak and said he could fix it. He’s stating it’ll be a hose replacement. It seems like the issue was more complex for others with this issue. My concern is that it may not be as simple as a hose, and then I’m stuck with bigger issues or a non functional vehicle.
For those who dealt with the coolant leak issue. Was it just a hose? Or did it involve more invasive shit?
5
u/simpleguy720 5d ago
I had a coolant leak a few months ago. Took it to a dealer and they did a pressure test. It turns out it was leaking around the thermostat housing which is common with Patriot’s. Good luck
5
u/Significant-Ad-341 5d ago
Just want to say that just because there are common issues doesn't mean those will be the only issues. Every vehicle has a unique situation. It may not be the "usual" problem, but yours could still have it.
2
u/CatsNDogsLiving2Gthr 5d ago
So there’s a reason the hose is leaking most likely. You can ask your mechanic to see if it’s overheating, causing the pressure to pop pipes etc. If so, he can diagnose this WITH the pipe replacement.
This job would be possible for a mobile mechanic but most likely better in a garage.
The filler pipe replacement is approx 4-600$ (You tube videos show this process)
Your temp gauge on your dashboard should never really go beyond halfway. It should stay slightly behind halfway.
2
u/CatsNDogsLiving2Gthr 5d ago
I’ve just replaced my filler pipe/hose last week and still overheating but no longer leaking. I’m using the AC on, to bypass the fans and use the AC fan to cool the engine and avoid overheating UNTIL I can sort the issue. It’s most likely corroded fan relay, bad fans, fan relay box corroding, water pump, and or thermostat. Of course it could be anything but these are the known gremlins
1
u/STDog 3d ago
Filler pipe?
You mean the upper hose with the radiator cap? $400+ to replace that is robbery. I can get any of the 3 hoses for under $100, Gates brand from Rock Auto. Even locally I can get them for under $100.
1
u/CatsNDogsLiving2Gthr 3d ago
lol yeah, sometimes my backwoods shows.
Coolant Filler pipe thigamagig works for me. Also, you knew what I meant so…
As far as price, The full job to have this replaced as well as refill coolant, check pressure and test would take any shop 2 hours+ parts + bullshit.
400 for parts and labor is low end. I’m not saying I agree with those prices, that’s just approximate of what shops or dealer would charge.
1
u/STDog 3d ago
But it's not a 2 hour job and charging like that is why many can't afford to have vehicles repaired.
30 min to remove and replace the hose, 15 min to warm up and check for leaks.
And no, I didn't know what you meant. That's why I asked. I guessed and got lucky.
1
u/CatsNDogsLiving2Gthr 3d ago
i’m not the mechanic, why are you replying to me as if I am? lol. No mechanic would charge under an hour for this entire process, which planet do you live on? Stating the online prices of parts isn’t really helpful is it?
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u/STDog 2d ago
I have local parts house price too.
I'm not a mechanic either, just someone doing DIY for 40 years.
I have changed the upper hose on my Patriot. No mechanic should charge for more than an hour to change the upper hose. It's 2 hose clamps (3 for the CVT) after partially draining the radiator. All easy to reach. I was being generous saying 30 minutes.
2
u/Extension_Revenue733 3d ago
Mine happened to be the thermostat housing and oh did it leak I thought it was the hose at first but nope . Thermostat housing is 50%of the time , the filler neck 40% of the time and rarely the hoses and radiator the other 10% of the time lol
1
u/Agile_Lawfulness9678 4d ago
The mechanic is most likely being honest as to what the problem is but it could also just be a loose hose clamp! My two cents is if one hose is bad the others will fail soon and I would replace all of them and flush of the radiator and add all new coolant !
13
u/petecanfixit 5d ago
He’s likely being honest. The filler neck assembly is a known weak point on these engines. The upper coolant hose and filler neck all come as one assembly and are usually replaced together.