Coolant leaking from A/C drain port

Tiny
MARK BEAVER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 220,000 MILES
Coolant system fluids are leaking from the A/C drain port from the fire wall inside engine compartment. I have already replaced the heater core followed by the water pump. Pump was bad, heater core seemed to be fine. This vehicle does have rear compartment heating and cooling. All online searches point to heater core. What else is a possibility?
Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 3:53 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

Did you replace the front heater core? You stated you did then stated it looked fine?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

The heater core is the reason for coolant leaking from the A/C drain hose.Since you have the tubes from the firewall to the heater core, those tubes may be the leak. Look carefully at the connections.

Roy

FRONT HEATER CORE - RS MODELS

WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury or death. See: Air Bag(s) Arming and Disarming > Service and Repair

WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation. Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.

WARNING: The heater core tubes are not serviced separately from the heater core. The heater core tubes should not be re-positioned, loosened or removed from the heater core. Failure to follow this warning could result in a coolant leak and possible personal injury or death.

NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.

1. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. See: Battery > Service and Repair

2. Remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle and place it on a workbench. See: Housing Assembly HVAC > Service and Repair

3. Remove the foam seal from the heater core tubes and the flange located at the front of the HVAC housing (Figure 1).

4. If equipped, remove the plastic retaining strap that secures the heater core tubes to the flange.

5. Remove the two screws that secure the heater core retaining bracket to the driver side of air distribution housing and remove the bracket.

6. Disengage the heater core tubes from the flange while carefully pulling the heater core straight out of the side of the air distribution housing.

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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 4:54 AM
Tiny
MARK BEAVER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, I did replace the heater core. The used one looked as good as its replacement. There was no evidence of leakage at the sealed locations. Are you saying the tubes coming from the heater core may be faulty some how? Where and how do they intersect? The heater core tubing and the ac drain port. (Head scratcher)
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 5:35 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
One end is where the hoses from under the hood connect.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-is-leaking-coolant

The other is the heater core.

I would pressure test the system and inspect the tubes and the core for any leak. The leak should be evident under pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

You can rent a tester at a parts store.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 5:40 AM
Tiny
MARK BEAVER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Discovered a leak in the radiator when I pressure tested the system. After I replace it I will test again and try to be more thorough. To be continued. Thanks for the help. Perhaps because of a leaky water pump and radiator the leak I’m trying to find wasn’t as obvious.
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 6:05 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Keep us updated.

Roy
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Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 AT 6:14 AM

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