[jparrish]

i am having the problem of loss of water on my 1996 4.3. Their is not any water in my oil but every few days i need to add a Gal of Anti-freeze. I Cannot find any leaks anywere but it has to be coming out somewere. has anyone had this problem ever? i am ready to sell my van because it is costing me so much money. please let me know...

 

[JeepDaddy]

My 98 was doing the same thing. I didn't see any leaks either. The wife said she smelled antifreeze when she go out of the van. I'm glad she said something or I would not have checked often enough and could have burned up the motor.

It was the water pump that was leaking through the weep hole. It would only do it when it was at operating temperature. I ran it in the driveway for 20 minutes with no drips and then it started leaking big time.

I replaced the water pump and have not had any issues since.

 

[jparrish]

Hay thanks for the info. i will be looking into a new water pump this weekend to put on.
:banana:

 

[nitropyro]

check the front passenget carpet for water and behind the drivers seat for water(if you have rear heat) you may have busted a heater core.
Danny

 

[jparrish]

Heater core? that maybe something eztz to look in to Thanks :yeahthat:

 

[nitropyro]

yep just hate to see you throw on a water pump for nothing. i like to check the simple things first. but a water pump should take just over an hour if you have to.
Danny

 

[project911]

I have a 98 Astro also with 130,000 miles. I had the coolant flushed and replaced with the recommended Dex cool. One month later the check engine light came on because the van overheated. I checked the fluid and it was low. I smelled antifreeze but couldn't find any leaks. I also checked the floorboards next to the driver and passenger sides and still no leaks or smell of antifreeze from the inside of the cab. I haven't taken it in yet to do a pressure leak test. I hope it isn't the water pump. I had that replaced two years ago.

 

[SSAstro]

hey get under the van and see if there is a trail of antifreeze coming down on either side of the block this could be the back of the intake leaking i have had this happen twice now and foun it b/c of the trail coming down the tranny and the block

 

[thyubernoob]

An other thing to check...smell your exhaust :sadlike: If its a sweet smell you may have a head gasket leak.. :2cents: