Auto Parts: 1996 Dodge Caravan Water Leak, dodge caravan, pep boys

Question
I have a severe water leak on my Dodge Caravan.  The water is leaking on the right side extremely close to the dash. The leak occurs even when the engine is not running.  I put the car on some ramps and I can see that there are two rusted out metal pipes running to what I believe to be the back heater.  I tapped one of the spots with a wrench and it completely busted and spilled water everywhere.  The water leak is exponentially worse now but it is leaking from farther up this metal pipe as well.  I am unable to see anything while under the car due to the way the engine is mounted.  I believe it is just a bad pipe but I am not 100% sure, which is why I am asking you.  I took it to an auto shop and they were unable to tell exactly where the leak was unless I paid to have the engine pulled apart to see what is back there, but they also believed that this rusted pipe is the culprit.  Have you ever heard of this problem before and are there any relatively inexpensive methods of fixing this or am I stuck paying $5xx.xx + dollars to get it repaired? Any help would be greatly appreciated.  I can provide pictures if needed.

Answer
Hi Guy,

Your vehicle obviously has rear heat. If you took your vehicle to a shop and they wanted you to pay to have the engine disassemble to get at a simple heater hose, go somewhere where there might be an ASE technician around and get a REAL estimate. My repair program says that replacement of those lines should take .7 hours.

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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