Having a coolant leak from the middle hose of the 3 way hose, mechanic wants to cut out damage area and replace with pipe and clamps, should he replace the whole thing? we use van for up to 8hr drives.

There are no coolant lines etc running on the lower part of the engine.Usually water will leak from above and run down finally dripping from under the engine. Coolant will not leak from the "engine" it leaks from a hose or thermostat housing.


Start from the top and work down. Check each hose by feeling with your hand. Look for a wet spot. wipe the hose with a cloth to clean if necessary. If you think you found it dry the area and check again.Sometimes you need to move the hose around to open a small tear and expose the leak source.

Tip: park overnight on a piece of cardboard. Look for the spot where it is dripping. This will give you and idea where to look.

If a hose leaks around a clamp tighten the clamp. Screw clamps can be tightened. The spring style can not. Once moved the spring type often leak. If moved try moving to the exact position it was in using the impression left on the pipe. I could suggest though that your replace it with a screw type clamp.

If you find a torn hose you may be able to disconnect, cut the end and reattach. If too short replace.

Check where each hose connects to the engine. This will be the thermostat housing and the heater supply line. If a housing is leaking try gently tightening (careful they crack). Or replace the gasket. Use a new gasket do not just use gasket sealer.

Check at the radiator. There will be a heat sensor there. They screw into the radiator. If it is leaking try to gently tighten (take care you can break it). If that does not work remove the sensor and put Teflon tape on the threads. That should do it.

If you don't see a leak at all. Start the engine and run. This will build pressure in the cooling system. Look for leak using the same process. Careful as the engine is hot.