An update on the present situation. Let the record show:
I have Added Care Plus which ends today, 2/12/12, at midnight. It extends the coverage by 24 months and unlimited mileage. It cost me $2123.95.
The vehicle has 109, 664 miles.
The following pertains to, and all work performed at Teterboro Chrysler/Jeep dealership, in Teterboro, NJ.
On 11/8/13, 107,202, had excessive pressure in coolant overflow tank and a visible coolant leak on the ground under the vehicle. LOCOOL CEL. Coolant low in reservoir tank.
I asked dealership to check for head gasket leak.
Dealership replaced the lower radiator hose.
On 12/6/13, 107,334, LOCOOL CEL. Coolant low in reservoir tank.
I asked dealership to check for head gasket leak.
Dealership stated possible air pocket when coolant hose was replaced and toped off coolant in reservoir tank.
On 2/4/14, 109,664, LOCOOL CEL. Coolant low in reservoir tank. I had been continually topping off coolant to replace continued loss, due to possible air pockets. No coolant on ground.
Temp guage reads low, Heat on floor not hot. Very excessive pressure in reservoir tank, even on a stone cold engine at 20*F after 12 hour cool down.
I asked dealership to check for head gasket leak.
Dealership found leaking from thermostat housing, which had been replaced at 84,862, and advised replacing with new thermostat housing. Also stated no leaks found from head gasket at this time.
On 2/6/14 I tested engine coolant at reservoir tank for combustion gas in coolant with the Block Tester Kit. Engine was fully warmed up. Blue test liquid turned yellow/green as posted above.
Very Positive for combustion gas in coolant.
On 2/7/14 I called my service advisor at the dealership and advised him of the positive test results. Made an appointment for Monday, 2/10/14, to actually/physically bring in the test chamber with the results that show positive for combustion gas in coolant.
On 2/10/14, Monday, showed the test chamber with results to service advisor. He said he spoke with the diesel mechanic about this test and 1.) A one chamber bulb is not a valid test and 2.) Chrysler does not recognize this test as having any validity. Diesel mechanic said he would use his 2 chamber bulb to test tomorrow.
On 2/11/14 I left the vehicle for the mechanic to perform the Block Tester chemical test with his two chamber bulb. At the end of the day I picked up the vehicle and was told the chemical test was negative. I told the service advisor that something was wrong with their testing methods. The vehicle exhibits all the physical and chemical signs of a head gasket leak at the least, or worse a cracked cylinder head or block. I told him that I would be back tomorrow morning and perform the chemical Block Test right in front of him.
On 2/12/14 I performed the chemical Block test for the service advisor, right before his very eyes, in the parking lot of the dealership. It was a very cold morning today, the engine was not even up to full operating temp, and the blue test liquid turned light green. See picture below that was immediately taken in the parking lot of the dealership.
The service advisor disagreed with me and said that the liquid is NOT green, and the test does not prove that there is combustion gas in the coolant.
I asked for him to ask the diesel mechanic to come outside to see the test.
My service advisor informed me that the service manager had told him not to bother the mechanic and waste his time, that I do not have a head gasket leak, and that they are not going to change the head gasket at this time.
I asked my service advisor if it wouldn't be in everyone's interest to change the head gasket now, while it is a small leak, than to wait until it becomes a big problem in the near future, and I am out of warranty.
He stated that I do not have a head gasket leak, but, since this was brought up while still under warranty, and that it has been recorded with Chrysler Customer Relations, that it will be taken care of under warranty in the future if there is a problem.
I then asked him if I was supposed to drive around like this, wait until I window the block, and blow the engine.
He said yes, if you come back with a blown engine, then the engine will be replaced under warranty. But we will not change the head gasket at this time.