water pump issue

Looks like my coolant leak is originating at the bottom side of the water pump. It doesn't leak very fast at all when idling, but if I give it some gas in park, it starts to drip pretty rapidly. I can see it running down the oil pan, and kind of looks like it's coming from the lower radiator hose area. it's been on the pulleys, so it's all over the engine compartment. I'm trying to wipe everything down really good so i can see. I also am going to get a better light. If I need a new pump, is it something I should be able to do in my driveway?

bill

I have the metal reservoir cap as well, I'll look into a new one, thanks for the heads up. The rattling/ticking noise seems to be the water pump pulley.
bill

the water pump on our cars should be a fairly simple job.... a few bolts, hoses and the serpentine belt is all.... should only take about an hour or so to do the job.

it doesn't look too bad. Is an aftermarket pump a big mistake? I'm finding them for about 75 bucks. I'm thinking pump, gasket, coolant, beer...done before dinner? I'm not even sure its the problem yet.
bill

id look into an OEM part first.... just to price out an OEM vs Aftermarket. although, ive never had any problems with aftermarket parts....

Saw your other post, and this is what I was thinking since I had the same problem. But mine was fixed under warranty. They also replaced the "defective" brand new t-stat that wasn't defective. I had to replace the t- stat and clean up the area where they were working because they made a mess. Make sure you get the right coolant. No one carried it out here, so I had to buy some from the dealer.

just make sure you get the right pulley puller or have a shop swap the pulley for you.

I think i got it. ran out of beer. i let it idle with some paper under it for about 10 min, no drips yet. i couldn't get the damn bleeder plug open, and I'm sure there is air in there. 3 gallons of coolant out, only 2 3/4 in. it's holding at 186 degrees, so I'm not too worried, should work it's way out. I'll post some pics tomorrow of the old water pump, it was full of that white clumpy stuff. I had my reservoir replaced, and the system flushed years ago due to that white shit. didn't have to pull any pulleys, idler and tensioner both bolt on, water pump pulley is part of the pump. I replaced the gasket on the tstat as well, cuz I ripped the old one taking it off. anyone need a 203 without a gasket? I wish i wasn't racing the sun, I didn't have time to clean everything up while I had it apart. thanks for the help guys,
bill

funkpolice wrote:

I think i got it. ran out of beer. i let it idle with some paper under it for about 10 min, no drips yet. i couldn't get the damn bleeder plug open, and I'm sure there is air in there. 3 gallons of coolant out, only 2 3/4 in. it's holding at 186 degrees, so I'm not too worried, should work it's way out. I'll post some pics tomorrow of the old water pump, it was full of that white clumpy stuff. I had my reservoir replaced, and the system flushed years ago due to that white shit. didn't have to pull any pulleys, idler and tensioner both bolt on, water pump pulley is part of the pump. I replaced the gasket on the tstat as well, cuz I ripped the old one taking it off. anyone need a 203 without a gasket? I wish i wasn't racing the sun, I didn't have time to clean everything up while I had it apart. thanks for the help guys,
bill

You should have filled coolant fluid rite thru the water neck when you had the T-Stat out. Thats the easiest way to burp out the air.

yeah, that would have been a good idea. i was able to put a little in this morning. water temp is 186, oil temp 195, I think it's a done deal. the power steering fluid looks like dirty motor oil, I tried diluting it with new stuff, but 64 oz wasn't enough, still nasty. I'm getting a slight whine at the wheel extents, but feels like full power. getting to be a beater. I bought a set of oem style projector headlights, looking for ballast and bulbs now.
bill

the bad area.


portland, OR area.
bill

bill

How much for the new water pump? I have a funny feeling mine is gonna take a shit.
I smell antifreeze sometimes when I drive, and cant pin point a leak. Wherever it's coming from it isn't bad, drove all last summer and barely had to add any. I have heard not sure how true it is, that water pumps have some kind of relief valve that leaks a little when it starts going bad???

true Shawn. most have a wheep hole.

if your smelling it that could also be a heater core too...

jontoad wrote:

true Shawn. most have a wheep hole.

if your smelling it that could also be a heater core too...

I dont have the normal signs of heater core failure. My money is on the water pump going bad

i got an aftermarket one from autozone for 75 bucks. couldn't find an oem on a sunday. I didn't see any weep holes, but i know what your talking about. there is a bleeder plug, but I couldn't open mine. maybe the weep hold is in the pulley?
bill