2005 3.3L T&C Coolant Leak - Help Identify Source

[timrice]

I have a 2005 T&C van with 130K on its 3.3L engine. A couple weeks ago, I noticed a small leak on the driver's side; not much of leak, and didn't leave a spot every time I parked. I checked the coolant level, and it was fine. But I've been keeping an eye on things....

Last night I noticed a bigger spot. So I looked closer, and I find that I have some coolant dripping off that same front right corner; there are a couple of tranny hoses it's running down on, and it's getting on the brace that goes across the front of the van and on that plastic air dam.

Searching for the source, I noticed that there is coolant pooled up higher on the engine on both sides--between the heads, I think--check out the pictures I've attached. I am guessing this is a leak from some sort of gasket. On the driver's side, I noted it's running down onto the transaxle housing and dripping off that and pooling up on top of that in one spot.

QUESTION: What is the likely source of the leak? Intake manifold gasket? Head gasket? (I don't think it's the valve cover gaskets...but if I were an expert, hey, I wouldn't be asking these questions.)

I don't quite see how the coolant could get from the engine forward onto that brace under the radiator in the amount I'm seeing, so I am not sure I don't actually have two leaks. Maybe the radiator is leaking slowly too, but I know it's not right for coolant to be on the engine up that high.

I am not noticing any obvious problems with the engine operation. It seems to run fine. But I am wanting to get this resolved ASAP in case I'm flirting with a major risk of damage; don't want coolant going through the engine.

QUESTION: Depending on the source of the leak, what is a ballpark estimate for a repair? Is it a dealer-only type repair, or is this something that can be done relatively easily in one's own garage?

Thanks, all!

[RIP]

Head to an AutoZone or the like and sign out a cooling system pressure tester (~$30 on Amazon) for free. Connect it to where the rad cap is and pump it up to 15 psi. Now look for the leak with the engine off.

Any shop can fix this leak. Cost varies widley depending on what's leaking. Could be a $.25 clamp or $1000 to replace a head gasket.

[timrice]

Thanks for the input, RIP. I drove it 5 mi. this afternoon and then turned it off and watched. I could see a very slow leak up higher on the block, but at that front driver's side corner, it was dripping out pretty good. It did not appear to be from the reservoir or the hoses up front. So I think I've definitely got two leaks here; the radiator being the other one. It's a 7-year old, 130K radiator, so I guess I don't feel like it owes me too much.

My plan is to track down a new radiator, put that in, and go from there.

For the gasket leak, I will probably take it to a dealer and get an estimate. Then based on that, make a decision about how to proceed. I think the van has enough life left in it that's probably worth repairing--just a matter of who does the repair. I don't have any evidence that the coolant has gotten into the combustion side of the engine so far--that's good.

I would still welcome any comments from mechanics out there as to the amount of effort / difficulty of repair for the leak that appears to be between the two valve covers. Especially if you've "done one."

[jimslaid]

Just any Fyi You can likely get a engine shop to install a low mile used motor for ~2000.00 with warranty. Not a bad idea if your gonna take it to the dealership, who no doubt will charge you more than anyone else.

Oh, why is your engine compartment so dirty?

[timrice]

Ok, you've all been patient. A new Koyo radiator and an afternoon out in the garage was the answer for the big leak. The head gasket was still leaking. I have a brother-in-law who is mechanically gifted, loves challenges, and is a saint to boot. He spent about six or seven hours on it and replaced all the major gaskets in it. It was leaking only to the outside, fortunately. Would have taken two hours less, but the PCV valve had gotten crusty and did not want to come out. No wonder the dealer techs always said "it's fine" every time I asked them to replace it... My BIL also gave the engine compartment a good cleaning. It looked like new when he was done. Anyway, it doesn't leak a drop now. I said it before, I'll say it again: he's the man!

As for why the eng. compartment is so dirty, there are several good reasons. One, it's a high-mileage van. Two, I live down 0.8 miles of dirt road. (Hey, it's Kansas, right?) Three, I am 46 years old, and have better things to do than wash that box out continually. If anything, I should be looking for a sweet mid-life crisis car that is worth exerting some TLC over. But to me, cars are transportation. They do have horses beat in the shade, though. Horses suck.

[RIP]

Keep Bill happy. A guy like that is hard to find.