Hi, there - first post, so, here goes!!

My 1990 MPV (V6, 3.0, auto, A/C, towing pkg.) is losing coolant. It first showed up as steam from the passenger side exhaust manifold area and heavy dripping from the bottom of the starter motor housing, again, located on the passenger side.

Refilling the rad (engine off) resulted in an almost free-flow straight to the ground from the starter motor housing. The van still had enough coolant to make it home.

*temp gauge normal
*oil normal (not milky)
*tranny fluid not burnt, nice and red
*no weeping from water pump
*no "white smoke" from tailpipe
*rad/heater hoses ok

I'm thinking it's either the freeze plugs or engine coolant drain fitting. The two freeze plugs I could find appear new.

Questions:
[1] How many freeze plugs are there?
[2] Their locations?
[3] Is there an engine coolant drain plug?
[4] Am I missing something?

Thanks!!!
Rick in BC

 

There is a hose on that side that connects to the side of the block. It is really hard to see and get to in order to replace. If it's not that then it could be an external leak of the head gasket in the back corner. You will need to put a pressure tester on the cooling system and get under it preferably with it on a lift to pinpoint the leak.