Coolant leak -water pump?

[Skip]

I think the water pump is going. The car sounded a little off and it was running hot on route to work. It was leaking coolant a little when I arrived. I couldn’t see exactly where the leak originated but it is dripping from the middle of the front suspension. Does anyone have advice about possible hidden pitfalls when replacing the water pump? Do I really need to remove the radiator for this job? Hopefully the car will make it the 25 miles home….

[GTJIM]

It is much easier with the radiator removed - and it is a good chance to have your rad. back flushed and cleaned out.
The lower crank pulley has to be removed to get at the bottom two water pump bolts - so it is a good time to fit a new timing cover seal and seal sleeve while you are at it too. OGTS have the special sleeve that repairs the groove worn by the seal.
All this is far easier with the radiator removed.
Be very careful driving with a leaking water pump - one time overheated and you can kiss the cylinder head goodbye ......

[Skip]

Ok - so I found an old thread from gtzero in 03. It explains a lot. I don’t know what parts to order should I need to. Any thoughts as to what I should have ready prior to starting the job?

[Skip]

Thanks GTJim - I will be careful not to overheat. Should the thermostat be replaced as well since I'm there?

[GTJIM]

New water pump and gasket
Front seal and repair sleeve
top & bottom radiator hoses
Stainless steel hose clamps
New fan belt
new thermostat & gasket
anti-seize (nickel - silver - type)
New summer/winter coolant

Be prepared to check the alternator bearings too.

[Skip]

Thanks for the shopping list GTJim - This is really helpful.

[Opelkurt]

It may very well be the water pump. Often a fore and aft shake of a fan blade will reveal some pretty clunky bearings, indicating a worn pump. Sometimes a pump will leak through its weep hole even with snug bearings. It would still need to be replaced in either case.

HOWEVER, Before you assume its the pump and run out and spend your hard earned $$$, it would be wise to do a thorough check of all the hoses and hose clamps, etc., as there are a multitude of areas that can leak coolant besides the water pump. Even a loose fan belt will cause overheating, and if the radiator cap lets out some coolant due to the extra pressure, where does it end up? On the ground in the middle of the front suspension......

In other words, diagnose the patient before you treat.

-Kurt

[namba209]

Originally Posted by Opelkurt In other words, diagnose the patient before you treat.-Kurt

A real good point. Let's start with the basics, when did you last check the level in the radiator? Is there a pin hole leak? How's the ignition? Both can cause an engine to overheat and run ragged, and each will compound the other, getting progressivly worse. Don't presume the worst until the easy to check stuff is diagnosed and eliminated.

[wayne70gt]

I had the very same symptoms this weekend on my GT. I dropped a socket while working on the car while it was running and noticed water dripping. I couldn't see it leaking from any hoses so I suspected the pump. Didn't have time to check it out closer. I did loosen the radiator cap to relieve pressure and it appeared to stop. You may want to do this for your trip home.(After you add water to radiator)

good luck,
Wayne

[shade tree]

possible hidden pitfalls when replacing the water pump? Do I really need to remove the radiator for this job.

I just did this job on a 1.9. I did remove the radiator, but did not remove the pulley. Just use a wrench on the DS lower bolt. Total time about one hour. Very easy to do.

[opelnut10]

Early 1900 water pumps have 12 point socket headed water pump bolts, check and make sure which bolts you have hex head or 12 point. Also keep track of which holes the bolts come out of there are different lenghs.