Coolant leak

[DownSouth]

I just noticed coolant being "slung" on the back of the radiator just in front of the serpentine belt. I see no dripping nor is there a puddle under the car. The leak only occurs while the car is running. Am I correct in assuming that it is coming from the water pump? If so, do you think I only need to replace the water pump gasket?

[heavywoody]

Replace the pump and the gasket; I'm guessing this is a 2.8/3.1/3100 car, those pumps are cheap, so since you have to take it off anyways to replace the gasket, you might as well replace the pump (which is likely the problem anyways).

[DownSouth]

Yeah I have a 3.1.

What all is involved in removing the water pump?

[SuzukiGhostRider]

From a similar thread posted recently.

Yes, you want to loosen the pulley bolts first. Makes life MUCH easier getting the pulley off.

1. Loosen WATER PUMP pulley bolts.
2. Remove serpentine belt by rotating the tensioner to relieve tension on the serpentine belt. (You can just let it drop down so you don't have to remove the motor mount to take it all the way off. Then when you are ready to reinstall, just re-feed it back onto all the pulleys.)
3. Remove WP pulley.
4. Remove WP itself by unbolting it and pulling straight out towards passenger side of car.
5. Clean mounting surface of WP area. Use a LIGHT amount of RTV to adhere the new paper seal to the new WP.
6. Install and bolt down WP.
7. Install and finger tighten WP pulley and bolts.
8. Re-install serpentine belt.
9. Tighten WP pulley bolts with wrench to snug them up. This is done with the serpentine belt ON to keep the pulley from spinning on you as easily when torquing down the WP pulley bolts.
10. Top off coolant.
11. Start engine.

[DownSouth]

^^^
Much appreciated. Will there be a lot of coolant spillage? Do I need to drain some first?

[nikosuave8896]

Just put a pan underneath to catch the coolant that spills out its not a ridiculous amount

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[DownSouth]

Just picked up a new water pump/gasket for $20. I'll try to get it done tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

[pghturbo88]

Just want to amplify SGR's helpful instructions, particularly # 5. Clean, clean, clean! Make sure that the mounting surface is free of residue prior to installing the new pump and gasket. (I learned this the hard way as a young lad replacing the water pump on my 79 Caprice 350). Personal preference of mine is to use a small amount of Permatex #2 on the water pump gaskets in lieu of the RTV. Was it mentioned that removing the coolant reservoir will also open up the area quite nicely in which you will be working?

Do the job right and perform a system flush, and fill with new coolant, and your cooling system will be good to go! Might even be a good time to replace the thermostat if your car hasn't had a new one in a while.

[DownSouth]

You're right pghturbo88,...removing the reservoir is very helpful. Got it done today. Now just need to find the time to do the struts/shocks.

[daguse5853z]

I threw the paper gasket out completely and used permatex "right stuff", it's professional grade.