Expert: Van - 9/17/2005

Question
I have a 1984 Chevy Van. Last weekend I noticed coolant on the floor under the passenger door! The carpet by the door appears to be moist. The overflow bottle is empty and the radiator coolant level is a bit low.

What is going on? How do I find out where the leak is and how do I fix it?

Answer
Hello Al,
The heater core would be a good guess, but leaking coolant from there should pass out through the a/c condensation drain, and be on the ground.
However, if a hose to the heater core leaks where it goes onto the core fitting, then the coolant could easily run down the floorboard and onto the carpet.
But at any rate, heater hoses or core is where I would look.

Van