I was checking out my low coolant sensor in my '89 L98, that had come on recently and all was well with the sensor. I noticed that the level actually was low. Filled and it dropped, then noticed a large leak in the middle of the car right under the engine dripping of the main crossmember under the motor?????

So I pu the car on ramps to get a better look and still cna't see much. The coolant is dripping rigth off the front of the oil pan, so my best guess is that the water pump is going???? I know some begin to leak out of a whole in the body on the underside, but I can't see it yet as I haven't removed the frisbee.

Does this sound like water pump failure?

 

It does. But a simple radiator pressure test will tell. Use tester, pressurize radiator, look for leak (all with engine off so you don't loose any body parts). If no leak bring it up to operarating temperature and repeat.

 

OK, the pressure test sounds like the right idea. Don't have that tool but I assume it's available at most parts stores.

 

A radiator shop will be able to pressure test it for you. A nice one might even do the procedure for free!

 

I can tell you from personal experience with my '89, your water pump is going.

I had the exact same problem. Got underneath it and could see it clearly.

Good luck,
Dino

 

I figured that was the only explanation with water coming from that area and the engine stil running perfect. Thanks for the confirmation dino89.

 

Unless you think you need to pull the cap off before it cools, the engine will be happy to provide the needed pressure for you.

RACE ON!!!

 

smart a$$

 

Yes, it will. Also easy way to burn yourself while poking around looking for a leak. Ever move a hose to have a pinhole leak and stream of hot a/f hit you in the face? Pressure kits about $30-45, eyes==priceless.

 

I have the exact same problem right now. I am guessing my pump died Thursday night. Usually I only drive aroudn town for 5 minutes at time, that night I was driving for about 20 and right before I parked it I was flooring it for a bit. There was huge amounts of steam from coolant billowing out from hood and leaking all under the car. The next three times I drove it it wasn't so bad but if I popped the hood I could slightly smell it, and it leaked when you parked it.

Friday on the way home from school the Low coolant light came on, I haven't driven it since. 30minutes ago I filled it up with coolant, backed it up, then pulled it forward, and there was water/coolant all over the driveway, and the low coolant light was already on again. Came from the same place you are describing. It has gotten gradually worse ever since I bought it(used to leak coolant maybe a quarter of the reserve a month).


Maybe it's just a hose though? The temperature hasn't been abnormal- that is when the sensor is working and the dash backlight decides to turn on, and performance wasn't affected. who knows, I work all hours when there is sunlight during the weekends. I wish it weren't my daily driver sometimes..

I enjoy having my corvette, but I am just pissed off, it's always something isn't it? Only this sunday I replaced the starter motor so that I wouldn't have to wait 2-10minutes to get the thing to start.

 

I'm very surprised I ddn't notice anything. My '89 only gets our of my garage about once every 10 days, especially now wit a new 04 Z06. I never saw any coolant in my garage, or when I drove it recently?

Other than the orignial GM part can anyone recommend a water pump that is good quality?