My 97' is leaking anti-freeze....water pump, water pump seal??

scott7d · Aug 1st, 2006, 04:42 PM

Pretty much like the title says. I was driving down the road and heard a pop, pulled over ASAP and got it towed back home. My radiator was dry, and I poured in some water and it is leaking out from in front of the fan, really close to the belts and pullies. Im pretty sure this is where the water pump would be.

Any suggestions?

**88pathoffroad** · Aug 1st, 2006, 05:36 PM

I guess it's time to replace the water pump if that's what's leaking.

Xeno · Aug 1st, 2006, 07:57 PM

Yup, there is a small passage that leaks when the water pump bearing seal blows. It is on the pump near the bottom of the pully shaft. Replace with new water pump!

scott7d · Aug 2nd, 2006, 04:38 AM

Thanks guys. My mom's boyfriend took a look at it and said the same thing. Time to spend some cash today.

lewisnc100 · Aug 2nd, 2006, 06:18 AM

Sounds like you've got it narrowed down, but also make sure its not the bypass coolant hose directly above the water pump. It will leak directly down over the water pump and it would be easy to assume the water pump is leaking.

From your description of a pop and very fast coolant loss, that would fit with that coolant hose bursting. That hose on my 97 was leaking badly when I did my timing belt change and the leaking coolant was all over the water pump.

scott7d · Aug 3rd, 2006, 04:54 PM

When my mom's BF lifted up the hood, my fan was really loose. He said it was probably a bearing in the water pump that was shot, or fell off. So were pretty sure it's the pump.

Also, does anyone know where I can maybe get some kind of diagram on how to get the radiator off and all that good stuff?

**88pathoffroad** · Aug 3rd, 2006, 09:18 PM

Unbolt the bolts holding it on! That's about it, take a look and you'll see.

lewisnc100 · Aug 4th, 2006, 06:49 AM

For the rad you'll need to remove the lower shroud first, it just clips on either side. Then its just two nuts on top holding it on, the bottom is just held in place by rubber mounts.

scott7d · Aug 5th, 2006, 05:03 AM

Thanks guys. Ill be working on it in a couple hours when the sun starts to come up some more. Ill let ya know how everything goes later.

scott7d · Aug 5th, 2006, 01:32 PM

Well Im down to the big pulley and the cover that is over the water pump, but Im having a hell of a time trying to get that pulley off. Any suggestions? Is it reverse threaded by any chance? It looks like there is no way to get to the pump without taking that pulley off. Am I wrong?!?!