Jeeperrari

Drove my 99 cherokee this morning and noticed this drip. It was a steady drip coming from the point marked. I couldn't tell (didn't have flash light) if that was a gathering point, or that was the source. Frankly, it looked like the source but who knows. What do you guys think is the problem? Thanks.

96tudor

It is most likely coming from the weep hole on the water pump. Other less likely places would be the thermostat housing, and the connection point of the upper radiator hose and heater hose on the thermostat housing. In those cases, you most likely see coolant laying on top of the water pump also.

Replace the water pump with new, not rebuilt.

ruglyot

If it is indeed coolant, look above the damper pulley to your water pump and associated hoses. At best, could just need hose clamps tightened on hoses. Russ

Jeeperrari

here is another photo from it. The arrow is pointing at coolant. Could it be just the hose?

ruglyot

Normal expansion /contraction due to temperature changes will loosen hose clamps - tighten them up. Russ

Pauldo55

I would go by your local AutoZone / Advance store / rent or borrow a coolant tester, and with the engine > COLD < pressure check the cooling system after tightning the bottem hose, if you still have leak it will either be the lower hose ( a hole) or the water pump. Either way with Summer coming you will want either fixed.

Jeeperrari

Thanks for the advice guys.

Jeeperrari

I went and readjusted the clamp that held the lower hose and couldn't see any leak there, but it still dripped from the spot in the first photo. I guess it is the water pump then?

96tudor

Fortunately, replacing a waterpump is one of the simpler jobs if you follow the service manual instructions and, therefore, is relatively inexpensive to have done by the repair facility that you use occasionally.

Jeeperrari

sounds like a plan then. I'll give it a shot. is the haynes manual a good one to go by?

96tudor

I trust that the Haynes manual will give good instructions on replacing the water pump.

Check prices between new and rebuilt pumps. As I've said, my opinion is to buy new. But you may want to replace hoses and coolant, so get a whole estimate of repair if cost matters.

I use a thin coat of Permatex RTV on both side of the gasket to take up any irregularities in the surfaces and hold the gasket in place. I also use it on bolt threads that enter the water jacket. Don't wait for the RTV to skin over; assemble parts right away.

davida

I agree with everyone above, I'd buy new. Take a straight edge with you and check your surfaces, they won't be perfact but some are way worst then others, below is a thermistat housing, it's brand new, I had to take it back, this one was new and you can see how far off it is.

canoe58

Sounds like it could be the water pump. But I would check all hoses and clamps along with the thermo housing too. If it's the water pump I'd go for a new one instead of a rebuilt one. Hayes manuals are helpful for do it yourself.

Jeeperrari

Thanks again. I"ll come back with an update.

tuxfan212

You probably should change both upper and lower radiator hoses while you are at it. If you find out one of them is leaking after you filled your system up with 30 bucks in coolant you will be pissed. Its cheap easy and keeps you on the safe side.