major coolant loss
 

Hey guys I'm new to the forum but not to jeeps. Here's my problem my wife n I were driving down the road at 55 mph I look in the mirror and see what looks like a cloud of smoke barreling out from behind my xj. I pulled over and fluid was shooting out of a little hole in the waterpump (right behind the pulley). I changed the thermostat today and when it warms up(about 200°) coolant leaks from what I'm hoping is the water pump. I can't really see it due to the front skid. Is it possible the wp cracked from getting too hot,and too much pressure due to a bad thermostat?? Its a 98

How old is the water pump? Sounds like the water pump seals r shot. The water pump did not get too hot and the rad cap relieves pressure.

I'm not sure on the age I've owned it for about a yr.
but the jeep has 205k so I figure its not OE

Radiator was cool to touch since I just opened the cap.

So, what's your plan?

Where the coolant was shooting out of the wp the hole was the size of a grease fitting and looked factory!!

Only thing I know to do is change wp and see where it goes from there

Any suggestions??

The hole is a "weep" hole......it's there to tell u the water pump seals r shot (leaking coolant) and the water pump needs to be replaced asap.

On mine, a '94, the pump removal was easier with the electric cooling fan removed, which is easy.
Also it's a good time to replace the hose, and maybe even other hoses...

The spring type hose clamps are recommended on plastic radiator tank hose nipples. The aeroseal type clamps we all use for everything have a pressure point where the screw is located, which can warp/damage a plastic end-tank, if the radiator has those....

Thanks for the help !!
I'll post as soon as I change it

Be sure to clean the gasket sealing surface on the block sterile clean. Apply a thin layer of water pump RTV to both sides of the new gasket. Don't crank the bolts down hard.....snug is plenty tight.

Will do. Thx again