Hello, I have a 2005 Pacifica with the 3.8L V6. Today I noticed a water or coolant leak on the driver side where the exhaust manifold goes around from the front to the back of the engine. It is actually dripping from the bottom of the exhaust manifold down onto the transmission. I looked as far down as I could see on the back of the engine and I can see a small amount of water or coolant has dripped back there too. Does anyone know what would cause this? Thanks.

 

Hi,
I had a coolant leak last year (2006 Pacifica) which a local repair shop couldn't diagnose. It eventually truned out to be a broken bolt from water pump. The bolt shredded the timing belt which caused engine valve damage. Total cost to repair was around 2k.

If you have not replaced your water pump recently, then have it checked by an independent shop soon.

 

The thermostat housing has a gasket above the front exhaust manifold where the upper intake manifold and the upper radiator connect.