97 Chevy astro van coolant leak

1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK
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MMCGUIRE1014
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I have a 97 Astro van with 4.3 l. It is leaking coolant. I checked the hoses and both are ok. It jhas a new water pump as of last summer and appears not to be leaking from it. As I put coolant into the radiator, it was leaking out right above where the transmission bolts to the motor. This was a leak that got gradually worse up to this point. Any thoughts/ideas that would point me in the right direction would be appreciated. I have been told it might be the hose going to the heater core but not sure of the location.
Thanks
Jan 15, 2006 at 8:08 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

For a similar leak, have its source traced before authorizing parts replacement; include the intake-manifold area in the inspection. Avoid driving with an active coolant loss and do not open the cooling system while hot.

Guidance references and applicability

Source: Original question and visible replies. Owner reports and other participants' experiences are distinguished. Next steps are editorial guidance for obtaining diagnosis or clarifying the reported findings; they are not a verified repair procedure or an independently confirmed component diagnosis.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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KENVCR
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Your heater core is located under the dash passenger side. Your issue may stem from a loose or broken hose that runs to the back of the intake manifold. Take the engine cover off and examine this hose (passenger side of motor). Check while engine is cold. Fire it up. As it gets hot or pressure builds up you should be able to see your problem. Be careful when you poke around when it is hot. If the hose bursts you will get burned or fluid in your face and eyes.
Do you have a rear seat heater? Check those 2 hoses that run underneath the van from the p side to driver side and into the heater core from underneath the van
Feb 1, 2006 at 8:16 AM
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MMCGUIRE1014
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Thanks for the replies. It ended up being a leaking intake manifold gasket. Heater core checked out ok.
Feb 1, 2006 at 12:27 PM

Discussion summary

97 Chevy astro van coolant leak

A 1997 Chevrolet Astro 4.3L leaked coolant near the rear of the engine, above the transmission connection. The owner reported that the visible hoses and recently replaced water pump did not appear to be leaking.

Reported outcome: The owner reported that the leak came from an intake-manifold gasket and that the heater core checked out.

The discussion does not document the diagnostic method, gasket replacement or a post-repair leak test. The earlier heater-hose suggestions were not the owner's reported diagnosis.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
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