packerZ

iTrader: (7)

Forive the "newbie-type" question, but I'm kinda baffled by this....
My 96 has approx. 140K and I noticed that the temp gauge went a bit high one day last week...checked- radiator was low...filled and checked again a few days later...low again. I went through this with the 95 (it had about same mileage then)and it needed a water pump. Replaced and end of problems...so I figured the 96 was ready for H2O replacement and ordered pump. Checked radiator water level for last 4 days of driving...NO loss.
WTF??? Can a water pump "weep" (water loss) for awhile then stop for a period before it dies?? I thought when the pump started losing water, it would just keep on (until replaced). I checked radiator and cap...no problems evident. Are the Maxi "spirits" playing with me??
Anyone else been here done this and still have the T-shirt? Thanks, Doug

pmohr

iTrader: (26)

Yes, it's possible for the water pump to leak on and off, happened with my original pump.

Have you noticed any of the leakage on the ground indicative of water pump failure?

JtzMax

iTrader: (5)

Or ... any anti-freeze in your oil ??? It can weep dependent on how bad the O rings are ... if they are going but not gone yet, it can do this. Keep the over flow rez full and get it done when you can ... not a bad job, but time consuming. Plan on at least a 6'r to get er done! lol

packerZ

iTrader: (7)

OK...at least I don't feel like the twilight zone has dialed my number! I can't (never did) see any water puddles...some moisture, but that could be A/C drainage. Can't really see "weep hole" discharge. But definite low water in radiator...then, no loss. NO water in oil and no moisture anywhere on radiator & hoses. I bought water pump and will change out with new belts just for insurance...it does have about 140K and that seems to be around the "magic number" anyway. I just couldn't get how water pump could leak and then stop. Oh those Maxi spirits
Thanks y'all (that's Southern talk for "yuz guys) Doug

UncleMax98

What if the water level in the radiator was low for a long time, only when outside air was hot, then you noticed the high temperature. When you filled the radiator, there was air pocket in the cooling system, thus you had to fill the radiator twice?

Love_00_Max

In my case coolant loss was so minimal it needed someone with owl eyes to determine the loss. There was no puddle, leaks no nothing in the pump area. Threw in UV dye into the coolant and determined it made it to the oil. Replaced the pump and no loss. Waiting for 4K to kick into the oil to do an UOA to be definetly sure there is no coolant making it to the oil.

I had 150K on the motor and replaced the pump and tensioner. With 140K on ur motor, the pump replacement is overdue if you are intermittently seeing coolant loss.

JtzMax

iTrader: (5)

yes .. doing the TC tensioner at the same time is a must .... well, not a must, but will save you time in the long run.

rcintorino

When my water pump went, It only started to leak when it was cold outside. if the engine was warm, it wouldn't leak. I believe I read somewhere that it's a common problem on our max's