1995 Dodge Caravan loss of coolant

Tiny
RSCARAVAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
The system pressure checks ok. No water in the oil. No steam out of the tail pipe. No visible coolant leaks, engine or ground. New cap. I am baffled where is the coolant going. I filled the system about 700 mi. Ago, added another gal. 50/50 YESTERDAY, not even showing in the radiator tank, nor in the resevoir. Is there something peculiar about the caravan? Thanks for whatever help you can provide. RL
Thursday, February 5th, 2009 AT 4:54 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Good question. Check the carpet on the passanger side of the van. Maybe the heater core is leaking.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, February 5th, 2009 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
RSCARAVAN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Joe, passenger side dry. And Still baffled. RL
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Friday, February 6th, 2009 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Did you pressure test the cap?
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Saturday, February 7th, 2009 AT 5:49 PM
Tiny
RSCARAVAN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
NEW CAP PRESSURE TESTED OK. RL
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Sunday, February 8th, 2009 AT 9:15 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If there are no leaks, it has to be getting into the combustion chamber. Are you sure there is no white smoke from the exhaust? Also, you may want to check compression to see if one of the cylenders are low.

Let me know what you find.
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Monday, February 9th, 2009 AT 9:15 AM
Tiny
RSCARAVAN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Yesterday about a block from home the temp. Gauge began to rise abnormally. I parked the van in the garage filled the system and pressure checked it. I brought the press. To 16 psi, it held for a few seconds and then rapidly bled off. The leak was now visible. Tomorrow I'll pull the right tire and wheel pan to determine the exact location of the leak and let you know; then we can all sleep. RL
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Monday, February 9th, 2009 AT 5:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
If it's on the right side, I bet it's the waterpump. Let me know. I'm anxious to know what it is.
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Tuesday, February 10th, 2009 AT 1:01 PM
Tiny
RSCARAVAN
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Jacob, you were right it was the water pump. But, why could I lose so much coolant from the water pump and not see it on the ground until the seal really let loose. 45 bucks and a few hours labor problem resolved, two days driving no loss of coolant. The 5 bucks I sent, keep it, I enjoyed the education and banter. RL
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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Thank you, and I'm glad it's fixed. It's hard to tell what happens at times with things like coolant. There have been some cars I felt needed a priest more than a mechanic.

Take care, and if you ever have questions in the future, let us know.

Joe
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Thursday, February 12th, 2009 AT 6:16 PM

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