Coolant Leak Question
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Coolant Leak Question
Weird thing I noticed...
I never see collant leaking under my car when it's off, and I let the car idle on my driveway and I don't see anything leaking or any puddles.
But whenever I start the car cold, I notice that it leaves a small puddle of collant on the ground... I can't tell where it's coming from. The puddle makes it appearance around where the pump is.
I also noticed that I've been needing to add coolant sometimes.
Any suggestions?
I never see collant leaking under my car when it's off, and I let the car idle on my driveway and I don't see anything leaking or any puddles.
But whenever I start the car cold, I notice that it leaves a small puddle of collant on the ground... I can't tell where it's coming from. The puddle makes it appearance around where the pump is.
I also noticed that I've been needing to add coolant sometimes.
Any suggestions?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
Weep hole
Under the water pump there is a weep hole that lets coolant out
when need be - usually a small amount. It means that the pump
could be going, or there is a problem somewhere in the cooling system.
when need be - usually a small amount. It means that the pump
could be going, or there is a problem somewhere in the cooling system.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Leander Texas
Originally Posted by PETKAH
Under the water pump there is a weep hole that lets coolant out
when need be - usually a small amount. It means that the pump
could be going, or there is a problem somewhere in the cooling system.
when need be - usually a small amount. It means that the pump
could be going, or there is a problem somewhere in the cooling system.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by PETKAH
Under the water pump there is a weep hole that lets coolant out
when need be - usually a small amount. It means that the pump
could be going, or there is a problem somewhere in the cooling system.
when need be - usually a small amount. It means that the pump
could be going, or there is a problem somewhere in the cooling system.
Time for a water pump. The leak won't get better.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Originally Posted by DR.Jay
What exactly is a weep hole and what does it do?... I understand the fact that it lets a small amount of coolant out when need be.
But when is that? If the pump is going, how do I tell? I am pretty sure it's a pretty new pump.
What other probem could be in the system?
The coolant is clean, I "think" the pump is pretty new. I run Dexcool and the I don't think the radiator is having issues. Engine stays cool. New Heater Core... Lines are clear. New Thermo. Intake man. looks clean... no coolange sludge or scaling.
Any ideas? Or is it pretty certain that I need to replace the pump.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 0
From: Ridgeway VA
Weep hole = seal defective
According to the Haynes manual - if coolant leaks out of the weep hole
... the seal in the water pump is defective and the pump should be
replaced. (In large quantities)
Need to drain cooling system, remove fan/shroud, drivebelts, etc.
Unless you want "original" go to NAPA, Advance, etc with the unit
for a replacement. Ideal time to detail that part of the engine, too.
... the seal in the water pump is defective and the pump should be
replaced. (In large quantities)
Need to drain cooling system, remove fan/shroud, drivebelts, etc.
Unless you want "original" go to NAPA, Advance, etc with the unit
for a replacement. Ideal time to detail that part of the engine, too.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 494
Likes: 2
From: rockwall tx
make damn sure you tell them its for a vette or they will give you a regular small block water pump and you wont be able to see your timing marks. im going through that problem now. thinking about taking it back and saying i had problems with it and getting the right one.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Originally Posted by jlaw68
make damn sure you tell them its for a vette or they will give you a regular small block water pump and you wont be able to see your timing marks. im going through that problem now. thinking about taking it back and saying i had problems with it and getting the right one.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
My original water pump was still fine at 70,000 miles. I bought a new one when we did the crate motor.
Actually, the only somewhat major things that I have done on my car since new has been a carb rebuild6 years ago on the q-jet, new brakes @70k but really didnt need it (they were just 26 years old) and Shocks. I had the starter rebuilt at 67k and that is it. My 80 has really been a great reliable car and very fun to cruise.
Actually, the only somewhat major things that I have done on my car since new has been a carb rebuild6 years ago on the q-jet, new brakes @70k but really didnt need it (they were just 26 years old) and Shocks. I had the starter rebuilt at 67k and that is it. My 80 has really been a great reliable car and very fun to cruise.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Well if the water pump pissing a little bit of coolant at startup means a new pump... then I guess I need a new pump.
Anyone have any idea how long I can get away with not replacing it before it seriously goes bad?
Anyone have any idea how long I can get away with not replacing it before it seriously goes bad?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,575
Likes: 1
From: Tuttle OK
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Originally Posted by genuine1980
Anyone have any idea how long I can get away with not replacing it before it seriously goes bad?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
OK well I just noticed that my car is leaking coolant when its just sitting there... I've had it on stand for about a week cause I'm doing other things to it, and I noticed a small coolant puddle (maybe the size that 20 or so drops would make), on the drivers side just below where the water pump is.
I looked up and saw that it is dripping on the corner of the lip-corner of the oil pan... obviosly coolant isn't dripping from there, but I tryed to trace it up further and I can't find anything (that I can see visually anyway)... I felt all around the water pump and didn't feel any moister.... I'm lost!!!
Where is this leak coming from?
Now I dont know whether or not I need to even get pump.
I looked up and saw that it is dripping on the corner of the lip-corner of the oil pan... obviosly coolant isn't dripping from there, but I tryed to trace it up further and I can't find anything (that I can see visually anyway)... I felt all around the water pump and didn't feel any moister.... I'm lost!!!
Where is this leak coming from?
Now I dont know whether or not I need to even get pump.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
The leak could be coming from loose/cracked hoses. Is it leaking from the thermostat housing? What about water pump bolts? Leak from intake mainfold?
Based on where you see the coolant (at the lip of the oil pan), look to see if it is leaking from the water jacket plugs. They are right above the oil pan on both sides of the engine. When flushing the system, the plugs are removed to drain the coolant from the block.
Do you have access to a coolant system pressure tester? It can be rented (for free) from autozone. Pressurize the system and look for the leak.
I used one about a month ago to find a leak. Turned out to be a heater hose.
Based on where you see the coolant (at the lip of the oil pan), look to see if it is leaking from the water jacket plugs. They are right above the oil pan on both sides of the engine. When flushing the system, the plugs are removed to drain the coolant from the block.
Do you have access to a coolant system pressure tester? It can be rented (for free) from autozone. Pressurize the system and look for the leak.
I used one about a month ago to find a leak. Turned out to be a heater hose.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Manakau City Auckland
The weep hole or 'tell-tale' hole in a water pump is designed to let the coolant out when the water side seal is leaking. This stops it leaking past the oil seal and into the water pump bearings which would damage them.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Originally Posted by SmokinBBC
The leak could be coming from loose/cracked hoses. Is it leaking from the thermostat housing? What about water pump bolts? Leak from intake mainfold?
Based on where you see the coolant (at the lip of the oil pan), look to see if it is leaking from the water jacket plugs. They are right above the oil pan on both sides of the engine. When flushing the system, the plugs are removed to drain the coolant from the block.
Do you have access to a coolant system pressure tester? It can be rented (for free) from autozone. Pressurize the system and look for the leak.
I used one about a month ago to find a leak. Turned out to be a heater hose.
Based on where you see the coolant (at the lip of the oil pan), look to see if it is leaking from the water jacket plugs. They are right above the oil pan on both sides of the engine. When flushing the system, the plugs are removed to drain the coolant from the block.
Do you have access to a coolant system pressure tester? It can be rented (for free) from autozone. Pressurize the system and look for the leak.
I used one about a month ago to find a leak. Turned out to be a heater hose.
Could be water pump bolts... I saw a leak there once and I tightened that bolts to stop it.
Not the water jacket plugs... these plugs are located further back from where I am seeing coolant on the oil pan lip... I am seeing it near the timing cover.
I think the pressure tester it something I will look to doing.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
Originally Posted by Tony S
The weep hole or 'tell-tale' hole in a water pump is designed to let the coolant out when the water side seal is leaking. This stops it leaking past the oil seal and into the water pump bearings which would damage them.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
weep hole
The weep hole will be in the water pump casting just below where the shaft extends from the casting. Don't know about you 80 specifically, but a mirror might show you the hole. Had a small leak on my 85 once, all factory original several years ago. The leak was from the water pump gasket on the passenger side mounting of the engine. To put a new gasket on an 85 involves removing a lot of stuff to just get to the water pump. Removed the pump and installed new gaskets. About a year later had another leak, this time from the weep hole in the pump. It was easier removing the pump the second time because I had done it just a year earlier.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 851
Likes: 10
From: Palm City, FL
I think I've confirmed that my leak is not the weep hole, rather it seems that both mounting gaskets where shot and leaking. I've drained the system... flushed it. Removed the pump, cleaned it, and replaced it with new mounting gaskets. Also checked all hoses which are pretty new while doing the flush. Replaced thermo, and the housing gasket.
So with everything cleaned, checked, and re-filled... hopefully there is no more leak. We shall see.
So with everything cleaned, checked, and re-filled... hopefully there is no more leak. We shall see.