Heads on a van

[96K2500F]

I am looking at a 2000 minibus (van frontend) with a 6.5 in it with what looks like a left head gasket leak. Coolant is running back the valley at the head gasket and down the back of the motor. My first question is am I going in the right direction looking at the head gasket or is there something else in that area that could be leaking coolant?My next question is if it's the head gasket can the heads be removed with the motor in the bus, looks real snug and wanted to find out before I try it. Thanks for any insight on this.

 

[NVW]

Welcome to TTS

On the coolant cross over on the passenger side there is a by pass that goes to the heater core. The factory fitting is prone to leaking. I would check that first.

 

[Turbine Doc]

X2 on heater supply fitting

 

[bk95td]

Coolant block off plates on the rear ports of the heads.

 

[handcannon]

Another location, though not as common, is the coolant crossover itself. The ears on the base of the crossover where it bolts to the head can crack and allow leakage.

Don