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Hey, have a coolant leak that I am having difficulty locating. I have a dodge 2001 Grand Caravan sport with a 3.3 L engine. The leak was originating from behind the alternator so we took the serpentine belt loose and removed the alternator for further inspection. We have illiminated the hoses and the lower intake manifold gasket, they are not leaking. The water pump sits below the leak so we think we have illiminated that as well. We see a pool of coolant collecting at a gasket which apprears to be where the timing chain cover mounts to the motor on the top side. It does not make sense why its leaking at this location since from what we understand, only engine oil accesses the timing chain area. The block is not cracked. The engine oil is not contaminated nor the engine run poorly. Is there something that we are overlooking? We pressurized the system to about 10psi and are getting 20-40 drips per minute. Could the back side of the lower intake manifold be leaking around the backside of the motor and pooling up at this location?

Thanks for you help, Steve  

Oh-Oh Steve,
These engines have trouble with head gaskets and timing cover gaskets, (it's a Mopar thing) The timing cover does have coolant running through it, that's how the antifreeze gets to the water pump.  

Wenis,

Your a genious. It was not the head gasket, but it is the timing cover. We jumped into the project this morning, and now we are ready to put everything back together. Thanks for answering my question.

Steve  

Lol, A Genius no, I've just been in the business for what seems like forever, but Thanks for the vote of confidence, I'm glad I could help....  

Wenis,

I have another question for you. I also have a transmission leak. I have not traced the exact location of the leak but from what I understand, it might be the solenoid pack or the differential gasket. I have heard that this is a common leak on these engines. Can these repairs be made without removing the transmission?

I was also going to install a new gasket on the transmission pan but realized that the manufacturer made a gasket instead of using a pre-fab gasket. Should I use a gasket maker to re-seal the pan or purchase a gasket from NAPA?

THanks, Steve  

That is a 604- 41LE trans, my guess would be the solenoid pack leaking, the bottom of the pack is plastic , and I have seen many of these leak. This repair can be made without removing the trans, as far as the pan gasket, I would use a good quality gasket part number 1-9725 line code ATP from NAPA, this will give you a good filter and gasket.  

Stevie, Igate is right on the money with that answer, that's what I'd do but I think I'd wait til after the solenoid pack has been replaced for a while if it's a leak your after. The pack leaks and blows all over, may be the only leak you have. On the other hand a transmission service is a good idea as long as your under there.

The gasket number that igate listed, I'm not sure which gasket that is but regardless, make sure it's the rubber looking one, not the cork. The corky  one's split and leak.  

Thanks Jgate and Wenis! Appreicate your responses. That is what I was hoping to hear.

Steve  

That part number for the filter kit will come with the molded rubber style gasket,and the cork style, most transmission pan gaskets , if they are cork or molded rubber, leak because of over torque.  

Hey thanks nice information

used-auto-transmissions  

I recently had a leak and replaced the head gaskets. The van only leaked when I drove it. I did not machine the heads and I still have a leak. The antifreeze seems to be on the drivers side on top of the transmission. I am about to replace my upper radiator hose. I have to have a leak somewhere and I dont want to even think I have a cracked head. I did not see any cracks when it was apart. I am no mechanic but I had help replacing the heads. I am wondering if it might be leaking because I didnt get the heads machined.

Any suggestions?  

Advice, pressure test it and watch for the leak, I really don't think it's a warped head but on the other hand it's always a good idea to have them checked when it's apart. Pump it up and good luck.