i have a 95 dodge spirit that has a leak coming from middle of engine, where the lower radiator hose leads to. no water in the oil and it leaks whether it's running or not. it mostly leaks off back of engine (drivers side because of slant 6)

any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated! i'm stuck and, as always for everyone, it's horrible timing!

 

First, what engine? You said slant 6 but they came with a 2.5 I4 and a 3.0 V6.

Check for splits in the hose, the soft plugs, and the water pump

 

thank you sir! its a V6. hose turns into metal connector that goes another foot into the engine. its not loose and its too tight of a squeeze to really get any good look at it. if it was the water pump, would it leak without the engine running? also, is there anywhere to see schematics?

thanks again!

 

Your water pump may be in the early stage of failing, there is a weep hole in the pump when the seal or bearing starts to wear out it allows coolant to seep and flow out the weep hole. Or you may have some corrosion around the water neck where the hose connects to, even though the hose feels tight, the corrosion may be pushing up slightly on the hose allowing coolant to leak by, the fix for that is to remove the hose and clean the neck and inside of the hose.

 

been too busy to start but i have the time today and tommorow.

not sure which to start with. the hose sounds like i need to check it first, but i think i'm gonna have to take the top half of the engine off to get to it

the water pump is no cake either, but i'm feeling like i may be flipping a coin to decide..

is there any schematics to look at this online? seems like there would be..

 

I trained highschool kids how to do those waterpumps in under 2hrs. it's not that bad of a job. the tube is more of a PITA, you need to pull the intake to get it out. it is a common failure point especially in rust belt zones or on vehicles with sub quality coolant that may have used tap water instead of distilled mixed with antifreeze.

 

the waterpump is still circulating so i'm thinking 'rust zone' fault. Barr's for now and then go from there. thanks for the responses!

not sure about changing the waterpump in this in 2 hours, the entire front of the engine has to come off and thats a bit about my pay grade..

 

There is nothing simple on the 3.0's. Even the spark plugs are a pain.

 

I disagree. difficulty is based on knowledge, skills and experience.

waterpump can be done by highschool kids in under 2hrs with direction and practice (knowledge, skills and experience)

spark plugs are no harder than any other v-6 in transverse mounted chryslers

 

Barr's is working great!

not trying to get into a peeing contest but you have to pull motor mount to get to waterpump, as well as everything else including timing belt, so i see no way this can be accomplished by anyone in 2 hours, usless you were to practice repeatedly and your goal was to get it done in 2 hours nascar style.

and the spark plugs are an ABSOLUTE pain in the buttocks!