Waterpump Leak
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 15
Waterpump Leak
I noticed that I have a very slight leak under my water pump. It does not leak while the car is running only a couple days after it has been running.
My guess is that one of the two gaskets needs to be replaced. So that isn't a huge deal and I can handle that on my own. However, I am wondering if I should replace the water pump itself while I have it all apart? I have also heard that if you have a coolant leak that you need to replace the opti-spark as well as it can damage it. The car is running fine and cooling itself fine.
Please advise on what the best steps are.
Thanks,
Dave
My guess is that one of the two gaskets needs to be replaced. So that isn't a huge deal and I can handle that on my own. However, I am wondering if I should replace the water pump itself while I have it all apart? I have also heard that if you have a coolant leak that you need to replace the opti-spark as well as it can damage it. The car is running fine and cooling itself fine.
Please advise on what the best steps are.
Thanks,
Dave
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I would certainly replace the gaskets at a minimum and do it quickly. If the leak should get worse, it can easily take out the Opti. That can easily add another $400+ to the repair.
How many miles are on the car? That may be a factor in deciding if the WP needs to be replaced. Can you see (or feel) where the leak is coming from? Try using a small mirror to look up under the WP mounting points to see if the leak is from the gaskets or if it's coming from the bottom center of the pump. Any leak from the center of the pump should be reason to replace the pump.
How many miles are on the car? That may be a factor in deciding if the WP needs to be replaced. Can you see (or feel) where the leak is coming from? Try using a small mirror to look up under the WP mounting points to see if the leak is from the gaskets or if it's coming from the bottom center of the pump. Any leak from the center of the pump should be reason to replace the pump.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17,700
Likes: 1,667
From: moraga ca
Get a mirror to see if the leak is coming out of the hole on the underside of the waterpump neck. If so, the waterpump is shot. Either way, if you are going through the trouble of removing the pump to replace the gaskets, I would put a new one in.
Racer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 363
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From: Peabody MA
I would put a new one in while you're at it, they aren't very expensive. I got a Gates water pump for $175 and put it in myself, it's not hard. But here's the thing: Replace the water pump drive shaft seal!!!! I didn't and I'm now paying the price.
If you find that your water pump continuously gives you trouble, get an electric one. I'll be buying a Meziere for my next water pump.
If you find that your water pump continuously gives you trouble, get an electric one. I'll be buying a Meziere for my next water pump.
