For those of you that had to replace your water pump, I'm curious to know how it leaks because I have a coolant leak and I can't find the source at all. I have removed the right front tire, all of the splash covers and still can't see where the leak is. The coolant is leaking down around the oil pan. Does that sound like a water pump leak??

Joe

 

take apicture that will help us determine what youre talking about

 

Thanks for the reply, but taking a picture is a little tough since I have the car back together. What I can tell you is that there is no evidence of coolant leaking on the front of the engine. I can see the front of the water pump and it seems like it's leaking from the back due to the way the coolant is leaking.

Joe

 

Well actually on a VQ engine you can't see the water pump on an assembled engine. If you have a leak of coolant around the RH front oil pan area, then it is probably the pump.

 

the waterpump is inside the timin cover. there's a black access plate on the cover around where the belt tensioner is. Its behind there. There's a writeup with picture of how to replace it on the Stickies here on this sub-forum.

When the water pump seal goes bad, its designed to leak bet'n the rear timing cover, and the block itself. Its routed towards the front of the car, so if you see coolant dripping behind the AC compressor/ infront of the oil pan, then the water pump is your culpit.

Hope that helps, and good luck

 

I replaced my pump this past weekend. Before my coolant would leak just as you described, all around the oil pan. I bought a used pump from the FOR SALE forum here and it works great. I bougth the seal online for $10. The total replacement cost me $45; saving me at least $1,000 if not more if I had someone else do it.

 

You described it exactly!!!! Now I have to see what it's going to cost me!!

Thanks...

 

yea but buy a new one theres no point in sacrificing reliablilty

 

I would definitely buy a new one. With all of that work involved, it doesn't pay to get a used/rebuilt one.