1995 DT466 Mystery Coolant Leak - Skoolie Wizard SOS

[A_Bus_Called_Quest]

Skoolie Fam!
Looking for some help diagnosing this problem before I rush out to the mechanic to open my wallet.
While working on the bus today I noticed a mysterious, and sudden(?) coolant leak! There is a pretty good drip going, all clean coolant. Maybe 1 drip per minute?

I haven't started the engine in a few days, the only thing I did today was move the driver-side master heater knob from the OFF to ON position while removing the knob.

I took some pictures of the part that is leaking - it appears to be coming from the lower hose attachment to this MYSTERY part. Photos are of the driver's side of the engine. I'm no mechanic, so I'm hoping someone can help me out here.

I'm hoping I just released some coolant back into the lines while opening the valve - I'll call a mechanic in the morning to see if I can get her in for a checkup.

As always, I'm very appreciative of everyone's input and time on this forum - I wouldn't be this far without y'all!

[s2mikon]

That looks like the coolant hose to the air compressor. Looks like an original hose from the factory. Time to replace them. All of the hoses.

[A_Bus_Called_Quest]

Originally Posted by s2mikon

That looks like the coolant hose to the air compressor. Looks like an original hose from the factory. Time to replace them. All of the hoses.

Any idea why it would suddenly start leaking like that?

I wont be driving anywhere for a while - so I have time to replace hoses as long as it wont cause any issues in the meantime?

Many thanks, friend!

[s2mikon]

My grandfather used to say “it was used to much when it was new”. Just don’t let it leak so animals can drink it. If you aren’t going to use it I would go ahead and drain it now so it won’t leak all over the place. Then start changing all the hoses.

[A_Bus_Called_Quest]

Originally Posted by s2mikon

My grandfather used to say “it was used to much when it was new”. Just don’t let it leak so animals can drink it. If you aren’t going to use it I would go ahead and drain it now so it won’t leak all over the place. Then start changing all the hoses.

Haha, I like that - "Used too much when it was new."
Good tip on the animals - I put a drain pan down but it is definitely too low, I'll go wedge a plastic little cup in there until the morning when I can get after it.

SOOO many lines of coolant on this thing with heaters all over and a big ol' AC in the back. Everything else is dry so far, so I guess I'll start at the front and work my way back.

[s2mikon]

Go buy some colored electrical tape and color code the hoses to the fittings and start replacing hoses 1 or 2 at a time. Take pictures. I highly recommend buying only good quality hose. Gates, NAPA or Carquest. No Autozone junk. Silicone heater hose is an option too. Lasts forever. But you have to use the special double wrap clamps and make sure it does not get abraded on sharp edges.

[s2mikon]

The more work you do yourself, the better you will know your bus.

[A_Bus_Called_Quest]

Originally Posted by s2mikon

The more work you do yourself, the better you will know your bus.

This is the way. Thank you for your help, I do appreciate it!

[A_Bus_Called_Quest]

Originally Posted by s2mikon

The more work you do yourself, the better you will know your bus.

s2mikon, thanks again for the advice and giving me the boost to go get it done myself. I just drained all of the coolant and removed the 3 heaters / defrost so I can work on the floor.
In the process I learned how much coolant my system holds, where all the hoses go, how the heaters work, where the controls are located, and will be upgrading to silicone hoses