Hey

The van is a 97 voyager (caravan, same thing). Its been losing coolant as of late. I thought it was the cap and it was just boiling away, but it is still happening, though not as quickly. There is also an intermittent squeal at idle.

What could this be? Are they related? Do these vehicles have common belt squeals I could check out?

thanks


I have some ideas of what it could be but I don't want to bias the results. Power of suggestion and all that!

 

I had a similar sound/squeal.
It continued for months. With a slight clack once in while.
Only at idle.

Finally, the water pump went. Also the pulley idler was broken.

That may tie in with your fluid loss.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the feedback!

Any way to know if it's the water pump for sure?

How hard is it to change the water pump in a caravan anyway? Does it run off the timing belt?

How much to replace at the shop?

Lots of questions!

 

Alright it's been a while now...

Does anybody know how to properly diagnose a problem water pump...

How to replace one...

It might be the water pump but I really would like to be sure so as not to have to shell out big bucks to fix it.

Are there any more common squeals I might be misinterpreting this as?

 

Sorry, I couldnt reply sooner.
Less important things got in the way.
The only way i could tell you is to remove the serpentine belt and spin the water pump.
(And, No its not off the timing belt.)
Listen for the bearings. Also look for any fluid underneath on the waterpump... (A dead giveaway of bearings gone wild.)
While your at it spin everthing else. alternator, PS pump, idler, AC compressor. listen for noises.
Check for any wobbles when you push and pull it.

Also a quick start with the belt off will confirm the noise is one of these components.
But dont run it more than a minute.

Finally you may want to check the rear heating lines. They are make of crap and prone to rust.
They will NOT make the squeal you are hearing. But may explain the leakage.

Good Luck

 

Nice to hear that the timing belt does not run the water pump. I have experience in Neons and they are like that. Means if I have to bring it to a shop it won't cost me an arm and a leg! I probably will have to. No place to work where I am now.