MDM243

I have been noticing small puddles of antifreeze on the ground after i have drove somewhere but could never figure out where exactly the leak was coming from. Today i found that when the engine gets warmed up its leaking on the top side of the water pump. Now i have been driving it like this for a few months and it runs fine, no noises or anything like that just have had to add antifreeze ever so often.

Is this a seal that needs to be replaced or the hole water pump is going bad or what?

fishtaconc

There is a gasket that seals the WP to the block, but if you don't know the age of the water pump, replace it, cheap insurance. Also could be thermostat housing leaking, again cheap insurance to replace this as well, any money spent on the cooling system is never wasted.

timberwolf

if it's coming from in between the block and the water pump, you should just need a new gasket

double check that it is not the upper hose or the thermostat housing dripping down

MDM243

Its most definitely btwn block and pump. u can watch it rise out of it where it connects. some drips down to ground and some puddles right there where it comes out.

mdnov

Agreed, replace the pump and the gasket. Spend a little money now or potentially spend a lot later and possibly get stranded.

MDM243

Here is a picture...

AnoniWeezy

Most water pumps will have a "weep" hole on top when they go bad
It may be that, may be the gasket
Either way replace both...
Problem solved.

MDM243

True just looked at the autozone site and didnt realize they was that cheap so thats what i will do. Thanks everyone

AnoniWeezy

While you're there grab a tstat, it's cheap and you will already have the coolant drained
Get the gaskets as well
And some gasket sealer
Ask for coolant safe
And check ur hoses from radiator to engine
Cheap also, and again the coolant is drained already...
And a big DUH, but buy a bunch of premix coolant too...
It will be empty
And NEVER open the coolant system even slightly warm.
I have scars.
Wait 2 hours after even a short drive, minimum, for cool down.

MDM243

Will do.. Thanks Anoniweezy

AnoniWeezy

Anytime
Let us know how it all works out
Give that sealer and gaskets plenty of time to dry before adding coolant.
No point in ripping it all apart and buying new gaskets to do it over cause it leaks worse than before.

gpeade

I happened to see this premixed stuff yesterday. (you can tell how long it's been since I bought antifreeze)

Just wondering why you would buy premixed coolant? Its basically the same price as 100% coolant and water is free. So what you actually get is 1/2 gal coolant and 1/2 gal water. Why not pay the same price and get 1gal antifreeze and add you own free water?

cookrw

The logic I use is that I get the 50/50 premix for topping the coolant resevour off, and I just buy gallons of distilled water and 100% coolant when I am replacing all of the coolant. Where I live, the tap water is horrible and very, very hard; so, I make sure to use distilled water when I mix it with the coolant.

waltermitty

It's called Corporate greed! I was amazed that anyone would even consider buying the pre-mix!

413maxwedge

What!!!! the weep hole is on the bottom, it shows that the bearings are starting to wear out thats why it leaks from the weep hole.Get with the program guy!