I have a coolant leak.

I noticed it under where the fan attaches to the pulley. It is not bad but there is still some wet spots. It is not leaking to the ground just under the engine onto the front crossmember and the front axle area.

I am going to take a look to see if it is coming out of the Thermostat.

Could my Water Pump be shot or on its way out? If so what are my chances of driving 90miles sunday and 90 back on monday?

I have 92,000 miles.

 

It could be a hose or what not, the thermostat housing, etc.

But the other possibility, sadly, is a bad water pump. The shaft seals can begin to leak and then coolant comes out of a tiny hole called a "weep hole" on the housing below the shaft. If you see the coolant clearly coming from the weep hole, then your water pump is on the way out.

 

If you see it leaking i wouldnt drive it that far, i would get it checked......with your luck it will end up leaking more, and over heat

Rocky

 

Okay I ran it in the driveway for 30+ mins. No leaking. Let it cool for 30mins with hood open. No leaking.

 

n3elz, has it dead on.

The water pump seals wear and/or the WP bearing is worn causing the seal faces to seperate from time to time. (it's not a lip seal like on your crank or tranny)

If it's truely the WP you will see a residue (greenish-white) streak (leak path)coming from that hole and working it's way downward. Use a mirror or what ever to look up there and see if this is the source.

If so replace the water pump.

(being a OEM water pump engineer for 6 years sorta qualifies me for this question )

Rich

 

Make sure to carry extra coolant with you!!!!! I had the same issue on my 94 and found the hard way about the weeping hole. not hard to replace the pump, but just sucks trying to drive in Pensacola heat with no A/C and no Coolant in the truck!

 

In an emergeny.. loosen the rad cap. It'll not allow pressure to build up and be forced out. Just keep in mind that it's a "limp home" fix.

Rich

 

well I drove the 200 miles this weekend. I couldn't notice any leaking fluid even from that hole. I will have to keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't come back