1998 low water

[steamplant]

1998 146k villager, noticed radiator level just at the neck of the radiator and overflow bottle empty, topped it off last week, 200 miles later empty and low again, no noticeable coolant leaks in the garage, van runs good, any ideas on what is going on?

never did timing belt or water pump,

thanks

[tempfixit]

I would fill coolant to correct level again then do a pressure test, check with autozone or oreilly's loan a tool program, you pay a deposit and that is returned when tool is returned. Coolant system pressure test should show any external leaks, hoses, water pump radiator. Check the oil for any coolant, milky residue on oil filler cap.

There are many hoses on these engines. Check around and under the throttle body for leaks.

You could also take the drive belt off for the water pump and power steering and see if the water pump pulley has any movement, if so time for new water pump.

Remove the right wheel and splash guard and support with jack stand and watch the front of the engine for leaks. On my 94 I found a leak that ran down the front cover to the oil filter and it was the water pump.

Good Luck

PM sent

[Davescort97]

Check for coolant in the oil. It will make the inside of the oil filler cap look like it has a white creamy substance. I"m thinking there might be a blown head gasket. Check the radiator reservoir for traces of oil. The two systems could be bad because of a head gasket leak between the head and the block.

[dzus]

There is a small "L" shaped coolant hose on the back side of the engine by the IAC valve that leaks on the villager. It won't usaully show a leak on the ground because coolant burns off on the exhaust manifold. It's hard to see with a mirror so you can imagine what a pita it is to replace. I had the same issue on my villager and just let it drip until it got so bad that I had to replace it.