problem with a Coolant leak , pics and video water pump area

[zimvsdib]

I recently tried to take my car for a spin and as i backed out and ran inside for a few minutes i returned to find a big puddle of coolant leaking from under the car.
I thought i might be a hose so i checked those. They seemed dry and okay even though they should be replaced soon.
I noticed dips coming off the oil pan and followed that up to an area right around the water pump pulley.
i took a few photos and stuck my camera down there to see if i could see what was happening. I could use some help determining what the problem is.

Is the water pump something difficult to get to for replacement? Also could this be a loose connection? I'd love to drive this to my buddies house to work on about 20 miles away but i'm a bit worried. I guess i can just keep an eye on the temp gauge?

Thanks in advance for any help!

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/IMG_4916.jpg

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/IMG_4909.jpg

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/th_IMG_4918.jpg (http://s1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/?action=view&current=IMG_4918.mp4)

http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/th_IMG_4919.jpg (http://s1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/?action=view&current=IMG_4919.mp4)


http://s1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/?action=view&current=IMG_4918.mp4


http://s1158.photobucket.com/albums/p607/showdelorean/delorean/?action=view&current=IMG_4919.mp4

[Dangermouse]

Have you replaced the V belt on this pump recently by any chance?

[deloumis]

I believe you have to remove intake for replacement. It could also be the hoses under the intake which I would replace while you have the intake off. Not too hard of a job.

[David T]

Call your favorite vender and order the Water Pump Master Kit. It will include the water pump of course, and all of the hoses, seals, and gaskets to do the job including R&R ing the intake manifold and fuel system. A BIG job. No way to do the water pump without removing the intake manifold. And once you do there is a whole bunch of stuff to clean and replace. Expect to have to deal with at least 1 broken bolt. While you are at it you should also do a tune-up.
David Teitelbaum

[zimvsdib]

I have not replaced the V belt on the pump. Is that something i should be worried about?

Looks like this is going to be a dedicated day or 2 of work. I'm not sure i i can handle this but i'd love to try.

What other work should i do with the intake manifold off?
Also when disconnecting and replacing coolant hoses and fuel lines is there anything i need to do before hand? I don't want to make a mess with fluids spilling all over if i don't have to.
Thanks!

[jawn101]

I have not replaced the V belt on the pump. Is that something i should be worried about?

Looks like this is going to be a dedicated day or 2 of work. I'm not sure i i can handle this but i'd love to try.

What other work should i do with the intake manifold off?
Also when disconnecting and replacing coolant hoses and fuel lines is there anything i need to do before hand? I don't want to make a mess with fluids spilling all over if i don't have to.
Thanks!

Read over this first...
http://dmctalk.org/showthread.php?429-How-to-Removing-intake-manifold

[Spittybug]

I have not replaced the V belt on the pump. Is that something i should be worried about?

Looks like this is going to be a dedicated day or 2 of work. I'm not sure i i can handle this but i'd love to try.

What other work should i do with the intake manifold off?
Also when disconnecting and replacing coolant hoses and fuel lines is there anything i need to do before hand? I don't want to make a mess with fluids spilling all over if i don't have to.
Thanks!


If you post your location as part of your avatar then perhaps someone local to you will offer to help................we also encourage people to post their real name to keep the forums more civilized. :grouphugg:

[mluder]

Of course I can't be 100% about your specific leak however, there is a weephole in the front of the water pump near the bottom of the pulley that is designed to leak coolant when the pump faisl or is about to fail. The symptoms you are describing are exactly what this looks like.

I just replaced my pump with the kit from John Hervey - Special T... While I tend to give most of my business to DMC (especially DMCNW), John's kit included more bits and pieces - gaskets, bolts, etc. John's kit comes with new o-rings for the y-pipe too so your work will be more than just the water pump.

FYI - I did not break a single bolt. If you are as lucky as I was it could be done over the course of a Saturday. Of course as others have mentioned there's alot of other "might as well" to do like inspect the valley, check your clutch slave cylinder for leaks.

Just take your time and lots of photos as you go. It will make putting things back easier. You'll be glad you did it because you will learn alot about the engine in the process. I had zero mechanic skills when I started mine and I'm really glad I did it myself.

One last thing... Before you re-install your intake manifold rent a coolant tester from Autozone. It's free though they require a 70$ deposit which you get back. Use this to test for leaks... it could save you a ton of headeache.

Cheers.
Steve