Why does antifreeze leak from the crank wheel at bottom of 1989 dodge caravan?

Antifreeze leaking from the crankshaft pulley (crank wheel) area of a 1989 Dodge Caravan is unusual and points to a serious problem, not just a simple leak in a hose. It's almost certainly not leaking *from* the crankshaft itself. Instead, the leak is likely originating somewhere else and finding its way down to that location. Here are the most probable culprits:

* Water Pump Seal Failure: This is the most likely suspect. The water pump is located near the crankshaft pulley and a failing seal can allow coolant to leak out. The leak would travel down and collect around the pulley, making it appear as though it's leaking from the pulley itself.

* Cracked Engine Block or Cylinder Head: A crack in the engine block or cylinder head, particularly near the water passages close to the crankshaft, could be letting coolant leak out. This is a much more serious problem requiring significant repair.

* Freeze Plug Failure: Freeze plugs (also called core plugs) are located in the engine block. If one fails, coolant would escape. Again, gravity would channel it towards the lowest point, making it look like a crank pulley leak.

* Improperly seated or damaged intake manifold gasket: If the gasket is damaged or not properly seated, it could allow coolant to leak into areas around the crankshaft.

Why it's not likely the crankshaft pulley itself: The crankshaft pulley is a metal component that generally doesn't contain coolant passages. A leak from the pulley itself would be incredibly rare and usually involve a catastrophic engine failure.

What to do:

1. Thorough Inspection: You absolutely need a mechanic to properly inspect the engine. Simply looking at the area won't pinpoint the source. They'll need to carefully examine the water pump, engine block, hoses, and gaskets. Pressure testing the cooling system is crucial to identify the leak.

2. Don't drive the van: Continuing to drive with a coolant leak can lead to engine overheating and catastrophic engine damage.

3. Professional Repair: This is not a DIY repair unless you have significant mechanical experience. The underlying cause needs to be correctly diagnosed and fixed. Ignoring the problem will likely result in a much more expensive repair down the line.

In short, the leak is almost certainly *not* from the crank wheel but is a symptom of a more significant issue within the cooling system of your engine. Professional attention is required immediately.