I am replacing the water pump on my 2001 Grand Cherokee 4.0.
--> Why is the weep hole--on both the old worn out pump and the new one--on the top rather that the bottom of my pump?
--Desertgator

 

Well, it may be strange to answer my own post, but since someone might want to know...I have apparently found the answer.

If it hadn't been so long since I changed out a water pump, maybe I would have known. What really puzzled me was that the paperwork / instructions with the pump described the weep hole as being on the bottom. too.
The following Airtex website has what I assume is a good explanation of the situation. http://airtexwaterpumps.com/technica...op-the-crying/
"Weep No More"
"Both OE pump manufacturers and ASC have added a provision
to conceal normal weepage and avoid unnecessary pump
replacement. It is called the weep well. A weep well is a cavity
in which weepage is collected and allowed to evaporate rather
than cause staining or coolant drips. If the pump’s seal truly
fails, the weep well will fill up and coolant will exit through a
hole at the top of the well."

 

Good to know, thanks for the info.

 

Makes sense as to why I could smell mine for so long but never saw leakage. Interesting, good find.

 

Was this the same in 97 xj's with stock pumps?

 

Both the stock and the replacement water pump on my '98 xj had the weep on the bottom but it's been a few years since it was replaced so things may have changed.

 

I'm on my 3rd waterpump with this engine now, and to the best of my recolection, all the pumps i've messed with had a weep on the top AND the bottom... Idk why.