Coolant Drips - Need Opinions.

Hi Guys,

We have a 2000 Windstar with a 3.8L and 102K km on the odometer.

2 weeks ago, the lower rad blew. I replaced it. No issues.

Today, we drove for about 30 minutes city driving. The van was sitting for about 45 minutes. When I got back, there's a small puddle (about 6 inch round) under the passenger side, about where the rad is. But I can't tell where the leak is coming from. When I looked up (from under the van), it was dripping from the crossmember. So I can't really tell where it'c coming from.

I know my van has a closed cooling system (the rad cap is on the reservoir).

I traced a small hose on the front of the reservoir but it went to the side of the rad (I'm assuming for the tranny).

Does the 2000 have an overflow? And could this leak be coming from that?

What's the best way to find this leak....have a mechanic pressure test the system?

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

i just replaced both bypass hoses and the water pump. Passenger side has most of your components that would show a leak. The lower hose goes to a ten inch pipe that could have easily of came lose during your job. You can grab it with your hand a push it back in. It has a set screw that is under your altenator and it probably looks pretty crusty. There's a O ring in the pump that keeps it from leaking but you may have loosened it when you disconnected it. Otherwise, put down some clean paper and trace it from there. Good Luck.

Rob