DoSumpthin's video: Dodge Grand Caravan easy fix for coolant loss smoke from under hood

A weak link in the Dodge Grand Caravan, Town and Country, and other models is a plastic "Y pipe" heater hose fitting that begins to leak. The coolant drips directly onto the hot exhaust manifold pipe and vaporizes, resulting in coolant loss. Often times the coolant loss will seem to be a mystery because there are no visual wet spots due to the instant vaporization. It is only when the leak becomes very bad that white smoke might be visible rising from under the hood, this is actually water vapor. This can be determined by the lack of a burning smell. The leaks often aren't apparent unless you are looking at the fixture with the engine running at high RPM's. The leak may be non existent or minimal at idle. The fix is simple and inexpensive, $15 and 15 minutes. No previous auto repair experience should be necessary. You will need the following items. Materials: -Y-Pipe heater fitting Murray part number 84757 or equivalent. http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MRY0/84757.oap http://www.amazon.com/Four-Seasons-84757-Plastic-Splicer/dp/B000CSYSUS http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/factory-air-heater-fitting-plastic-t-type-hose-splicer-84757/20891572-P -3/4" or larger hose clamps -1 foot of 5/8" Heater Hose Tools: -Something to cut the hose with -Screwdriver to tighten the new hose clamps -Pliers to help remove an old clamp Procedure: (Follow at you own rise) 1. Some coolant will be spilled, but not much. You can drain it if you wish or just put a tray under the vehicle to catch it. 2. Install the heater hose on the singular end of the new Y-pipe with a hose clamp. 3. Use pliers to loosen the hose clamp where the old Y-pipe attaches to the motor. 4. The factory Y-pipe is held on with permanent clamps. Simply cut the two rear hoses as close to the Y-pipe as you can. Within an inch or so is good. 5. Twist the old Y pipe to break the bond where it is attached to the engine fitting, pull it off. 6. Put the new Y-pipe in place, attaching the two rear hoses. If you have trouble sliding them on then moistening and/or twisting it can help. 7. Cut the new heater hose to length and slide it onto the engine fitting. 8. Secure all fittings with hose clamps. Don't overtighten. 9. Clean up any coolant to protect children, animals, and the environment. 10. Bask in the feeling of a job well done! NOTE: Some people have reported using a T fitting instead of a Y shape. I don't know if the Y shape makes any difference or not with the smooth flow of coolant. T fittings are available in metal which can reduce the potential of cracking but also introduces the possibility of corrosion. Be sure the metal will not interact with the coolant's chemistry or with that of other metals on the vehicle. I found this repair on the Tear it up, Fix it, Repeat blog at... http://tearitupfixitrepeat.blogspot.com/2012/08/08-dodge-grand-caravan-antifreeze.html