my 89 XJ developed a slow leak from a hose that connects to the water pump ( see pic below ) 3-4 drips of coolant overnite and a couple of days ago i wake up to a pretty big puddle of the green stuff and its been leaking for the last 4 days...

what do u guys think the problem is? water pump? hose that connect to it dont look like its craked or ripped

here is some pics

 

Replace water pump most likely coming from weep hole .Throwing a new hose on for good measure.

 

Like said, there is a weep hole on the bottom, probably your seal is shot. Time for a new pump. Myself, I'd get a good look with maybe a little mirror and a big light.

 

Water pumps are easy and cheap. I'm lazily doing mine right now in my free time.

This is also a good time to replace the thermostat, which is like $7.

 

ok guys

by any chance any of u have a good link with pics on how to?

thanks again

 

lol

I'm in the middle of doing it right now.


Take off your grill if its easy. Mine is super easy to pull off, so I did.

Next is the core support/radiator. Loosen and pull the radiator hoses and drain the coolant. Undo the 6 bolts holding the core support on, gently lift. The core support will come up with the radiator attached.

remove the air box for more room.

Remove the 4 bolts holding the water pump pully on. Loosen the belt tensioner, remove the serp belt. Loosen power steering pump, remove power steering pump bracket and set assembly aside. It should lay nicely on top of the steering box.

Remove the hose coming from the top of the water pump. Remove the 4 bolts holding the water pump to the block. Gently pry the pump off the block, more coolant will flow out.

Clean ALL the gasket off the block, install gasket with a small bead of RTV on both sides, and put everything back together.

refill coolant with a 50/50 mix of distilled water and coolant mix, burp, and away you go.

 

the radiator has to come out the vehicle right?

 

I'm not sure if it HAS to, but its easy to pull and will give you lots more room.

 

You don't need to pull the radiator, I never do but you can put some dings in it if you aren't careful. Make sure to loosen the bolts holding on the water pump pulley thing before you take the belt off, makes life a little easier. Shouldn't take more than an hour tops

 

You gotta pull the hose off the bottom, and its literally 6 very easy bolt to pull and out comes the radiator.

Its so easy, gives plenty more room to work/use impact wrench, and removes the concern for those little dings.

 

I would say replace the thermostat and fan clutch while your there.

 

I agree with that.

 

I'll have to replace my water pump before long. Subscribing. Thanks for the tips, guys. Do you suggest any particular brand of pump over the others?

 

I got whatever Advance Auto gave me.

 

I've got a BOSCH on mine, brand doesn't seem to matter too much (though I would recommend sticking to "name" brands if you can). But make sure to get a new one, remanufactured water-pumps don't tend to hold up very well (you're usually lucky to get a year out of one), and the price difference is minimal (usually $5-$10) for a new one.