98 Grand Caravan 3.3L Coolant Leak

[hooperkj]

About a two weeks ago I noticed small engine coolant puddles on the garage floor. The leak appeared to be from coolant accumulating on the bumper below the radiator and then dripping onto the floor on the driver's side. The source seemed to be the radiator cap so I replaced it and the leaks stopped for about a week.

I tried running the engine for 30 minutes and verified that the fans run normally and that there are no apparent leaks. After the engine cooled down, I noticed the puddles again but I still cannot see where the leak is. The overflow tank level was normal and the line to it is clear.

Anyone out there have an idea why the leaks seem to only show after cool down?

[ricebike]

what is the condition of the hose from the cap to the plastic overflow tank?

need pix since it's hard to diagnose where the leak is coming from thru the internet

[RIP]

Why leaks after cool down? Metal/rubber expands as it heats up, sealing any holes that may exist. As the engine cools, materials contract, opening any existing holes.

A couple ways to attack this. Inspect the upper and lower rad hose connections on the radiator for wetness. No evidense, change the radiator. Buy or barrow a cooling system pressure tester. This will pressurise the radiator and hoses making any leaks obvious. Some auto parts stores will let you use a tester for a deposit.

[hooperkj]

Thanks for the reply guys but I may have found the problem.

I just pulled the reservoir tank and it looked okay. While putting it back, I noticed a wisp of steam near the water pump. I'm not up for pulling the pump myself so I'll take it to a shop and I'll post a follow up when the repairs are complete.

[ricebike]

ah, bad water pump

at least the pump pulley is not running off the timing belt on that 3.3L


if you had the 3.0L, then a timing belt would also be recommended to be replaced, since they have to take everything apart to get to the pump