I have a 1997 Cherokee Sport I bought brand new. Over its life I have done all the regular maintenance. All fluids, filters, and just regular maintenance stuff.
The other day I noticed a coolent leak under the truck. Coming from the lower radiator hose where the hose connects to the water pump. It would only leak for a few minutes when turned off then it would stop. Looked like it was the hose had come loose and the pressure was just pushing some of the coolent out.
Tried to push the hose up and stop the leak. I could not get the clamp loose and push the hose up at the same time without getting coolent all over me. So I brought it to a shop so they can put it on a lift and push the hose up. They said the hose is fine that it was a water pump failure. He did a pressure test and I did see coolent leaking from the bottom of the truck. Problem is I couldn't tell if it was from the water pump or the loose hose. A good amount of coolent came out and the pressure would not hold at 16 pounds. Drove it back home and guess what. The leak stopped.
Like I said the truck is a 1997 with the 4.0 liter. Has 119,000 miles and has never had a water pump put in. Infact the truck has never had any work done to it except the stuff I do. I still have the original brake, backup, blinker lights in the truck.
I can go on forever about the truck but I am trying to keep it short. So here are my questions.
1. The truck runs at normal temp. Would a failed water pump still cool the engine normally?
2. Would a water pump leak through the weep hole sometimes and sometimes not?
3. Will a failing water pump smell bad? I noticed before the truck started leaking I would get a strange smell after I park the truck. Smells like something is hot. have not been able to track down the smell.
4. Will a failing water pump leak through the weep hole and drain down the lower radiator hose?
Sorry for the long post, I appreciate you taking the time to read it. I know I should probably get a new water pump anyway. Considering the thing is 13 years old. Just curious if anyone has had the same issues?

 

1. Yes, just because the water pump drips a little doesn't mean it's not pushing enough coolent throught to keep it cooled. As for it leaking, it should be replaced as if it is the original it's past it's life time and preventive maintence it better than after you get stranded on the highway. The smell is probably the coolent buring on the hot engine. Replace the waterpump before the seal blows out completely, as I would suggest the thermostat being replaced as well while you have the block drained of coolent.

 

Thanks that sounds like good advice. I will not be doing the replacment will have a machanic do it. I have been quoted about $200. Does that sound right?
Appreciate the info.

 

$200 sounds like a bargin considering labor to remove/replace the radiator and cost of hoses, coolant and pump.
Having said that, it's not a difficult job to do yourself if you have basic handtools and a place to work... of course some folks value thier free time over wrenching and I understand that.

Probably a good time to inspect/replace the serp. belt in addition to the thermo mentioned above.

 

I would do it yourself. It's super easy and the radiator doesn't even need to be removed, just the electric fan and fan shrouds. $200 isn't a bad price though. Check this out to make up your mind,
http://jeepin.com/features/waterpump/index.asp Good luck either way.

 

The $200 is only for the water pump I believe. I changed out the hoses, themostat, coolent and belt about three years ago. They look OK.
In the past I would have changed the thing out myself without even thinking about it. But, I am too busy with work and only have one day a week that I really would have time to change it. So I will leave this on to the professionals.

Thanks again to everyone.