theo9805

Just replaced my radiator, t-stat, some hoses, and water pump. Engine is finally running cool! Feels good. Except i've got a small coolant leak at my water pump inlet tube... It's a very small leak, but it's really annoying... and I don't want to have to take everything off again (PIA, messy, etc.). Is Stop Leak an okay option? Just wondering if I have any other options besides taking off the water pump and screwing the inlet tube in another turn or two, as well as putting new teflon tape on the threads. Any input is welcome - thanks.

djb383

I vote re-do it.

1996XJSport

The inlet tube isn't a big deal. There won't be tons of coolant spilling out of it if you take it off.

Just pop off the heater hose, unscrew the tube and teflon tape it. If you do it right, you won't have to add more than a half quart of coolant.


Stop leak is acceptable in some situations (but only the liquid stuff, not the stupid powder that clogs up everything), it is not acceptable for something as easy to fix and as simple as putting teflon tape on some threads that are easily accessible.

theo9805

Seems like it would be tough to get off as it is in a pretty tight spot and with the bend in the tube it needs a pretty big radius to turn - pretty sure i would have to take the whole water pump off again. But maybe I'm wrong? Is it possible to bend the tube up and out of the way a bit?

djb383

Almost positive water pump's gotta come off to get the metal tube out in one piece unless..........u cut the tube above the nut, back it out with a deep socket and re-install a 5/8" hose barb X 3/8" MNPT nipple and a longer 5/8" heater hose. replacing with a brass nipple means no more rusted/corroded steel tube.

theo9805

That looks much less messy than taking everything out again... thanks for the idea

djb383

Someone else deserves credit for the idea, I'm just passing it along. The problem is.............can u cut/remove the OE tube?

theo9805

i think so... i may have time this weekend to give it a try... mini hacksaw may do the trick?

1996XJSport

That's a good idea, just make sure your heater hose will reach the new fitting