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another coolant leak

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Old Oct 23, 2007 | 05:25 PM
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Default another coolant leak

hey all,
just replaced a leaking surge tank and now have a leak right under the water pump. if i just replace the gasket, should the water pump give me a bit more life, if it is not bad, or should i just replace it as well? how can you tell if it's the pump or the gasket?
thanks...
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Old Oct 23, 2007 | 06:25 PM
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I'm not sure I've ever seen a water pump gasket leak. Usually, it has been my experience that the pump starts leaking from "weep" hole. It's a sign that the bearing inside is starting to walk out. Clean it up, blow it off with compressed air, and see where the leak is coming from.
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Old Oct 23, 2007 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
I'm not sure I've ever seen a water pump gasket leak. Usually, it has been my experience that the pump starts leaking from "weep" hole. It's a sign that the bearing inside is starting to walk out. Clean it up, blow it off with compressed air, and see where the leak is coming from.
Check the hose connections to make sure they haven't loosened. However, I see a waterpump in your immediate future. It's not a pretty picture.

Cheers

Last edited by PierEagle; Oct 23, 2007 at 06:49 PM.
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Old Oct 23, 2007 | 06:54 PM
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Like stated its probably coming from the weep hole.
If you have a coolant system pressure tester you would find out
immediately.
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Old Oct 23, 2007 | 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by jirasvet
Like stated its probably coming from the weep hole.
If you have a coolant system pressure tester you would find out
immediately.
For sure, sorry I forgot to mention that . If no pressure tester is available, Make sure you are full of coolant, allow the engine to come up to operating temperature. This will allow the system to pressurize. Then shut the engine off, and see where she leaks from.
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Old Oct 23, 2007 | 08:23 PM
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Just an FYI. If you do have to replace the water pump, you can get one for an 04-up model. It allows you to use a normal type of thermostat (~$15), instead of the combination type where the thermostat and the water neck are one piece (~$50-$60).
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Old Oct 23, 2007 | 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted by 2000C-5
Just an FYI. If you do have to replace the water pump, you can get one for an 04-up model. It allows you to use a normal type of thermostat (~$15), instead of the combination type where the thermostat and the water neck are one piece (~$50-$60).
The thermostat and housing are sold as a unit, but I don't think they are one piece. The ones I have seen still use a rubber gasket around the edge of the thermostat, and it is just pressed into the housing.
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Old Oct 24, 2007 | 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by TEXHAWK0
The thermostat and housing are sold as a unit, but I don't think they are one piece. The ones I have seen still use a rubber gasket around the edge of the thermostat, and it is just pressed into the housing.
I was talking about the thermostat and the water neck parts. The 04 and LS2 water pumps have a two piece thermostat/waterneck. You're right, the new water pump would have to come as one unit since it is not interchangeable with the older water pumps. It has the same rubber o-ring type seal, but it is a smaller diameter o-ring than the one piece type. It's not interchangeable with the older water pumps because the o-ring isn't big enough to cover the larger hole in the water pump (the arms that hold the thermostat are wider on the one piece).


97-03 LS1 WATER PUMP




97-03 LS1 THERMOSTAT (LEFT) 04-LS2 THERMOSTAT (RIGHT)




04-LS2 WATER PUMP





04-LS2 THERMOSTAT AND HOUSING notice that the thermostat housing does not have the arm with the hole in it that holds some wiring on F-bodys


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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 02:36 PM
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Thats cool! Great to be able to use the LATEST AND GREATEST stuff!!
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 02:49 PM
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The LS2 waterpump looks completely different thn the LS1/LS6.
The only "exterior differences between the 1997-20004 are the t-stat housing.
The 2005-2007 WP has a much smaller drive housing, and refined internals that lengthen its life, and stop "weeping". The flow is exactly the same.
Attached Images   

Last edited by Jeff @ TPE; Mar 7, 2008 at 02:52 PM.
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Old Mar 7, 2008 | 07:14 PM
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Do it right the first time: replace the pump too.
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