Dodge Repair: Potential radiator problem, radiator hoses, radiator hose

Question
Hi Russell-

A few weeks ago the water pump went out on my 2001 Dodge Dakota with the 4.7 engine. The dealership replaced it along with the radiator hoses and new coolant. A few days later I had coolant gushing out from under my pickup and found the lower radiator hose had come off the radiator. The dealership fixed it and said they had left something in the filling area to prevent air getting in the system so my radiator cap didn't work right and the pressure got so high it blew the hose off. I was talking to a friend of mine who knows more about cars than I and he said that these vehicles have plastic radiator sides and if the pressure got so high it blew the hose off there might be damage to the radiator. Is this something I need to go back to the dealership and question?

Thanks,
Jim

Answer
I would definatly return to the dealership and have them check the cooling system for any damage due to the hose blowing off. That the hose blew off, while unusual, probably saved the radiator from damage to the end tanks. When you do return to the dealership, make sure your concern and prior history are documented on a repair order as this is an obvious workmanship or part failure. Have you had any problems after you returned to the dealership.