Confirming Water Pump fail

[jeffery212]

Hey guys, Looking for a quick confirmation that this leak is from the water pump or otherwise. Immediately after replacing the alternator some squealing sounds appeared under the hood - constant and move with RPMS, so I thought it was the new alternator or a failure because I had to mess with the tensioner and belt. Then, I looked under the vehicle while checking pulleys and the oil pan is soaked, however may not be oil. This is view from underneath, with fan at bottom of image. At the center of this image, right where I am spotlighting, is a thin black line of fresh fluid that when touched is Dexcool orange. (dealer insisted on using Dexcool to warranty their head gasket job). Is this consistent with water pump failing or is there another issue I should be looking for? How urgent to replace? Should I flush and bail on Dexcool when I tackle it? All advice greatly appreciated. Thanks, J [img=http://s17.postimage.org/mha0e5r6z/leak.jpg] Disco II, 2003 89k

[borchera]

I would suggest checking the weep hole on the passenger side of the water pump. This is where ours failed.

Others have suggested taking the fan off and test the pump for any movement.

If your viscous fan has not been replaced then I would suggest doing both at the same time. We replaced our fan two months ago and the pump soon followed.

Also test your idler pulleys with the tensioner pulley. We had one bad idler and a going tensioner pulley. AB has the best price for a kit with all three.

The replacement for our water pump was over 12 hours as removing the old gasket took at lease seven of those hours. Nothing would take off the old gasket (tried gasket remover, 3M adhesive remover, goof off, Deep Creep and Simply Green). Eventually gave up on the products and used a razor and brass wire brush going super slow and super careful.

Do not go cheap on the pump as the pump we removed appeared brand but leaked at the weep hole (weep hole was full of coolant).

If I were to guess why the gasket did not come off the timing cover easily, I would guess the PO's mechanic did not bother pulling the old gasket and just popped on a cheap knock off pump. The pump came off with two eraser size pieces of the gasket and the timing cover was cemented with the old gasket.

If your upper hose is seeping coolant at the bleed screw (ours was), this would also be time to replace.

2003 Discovery 124 K with High Miles service complete

[Savannah Buzz]

Pump and fan clutch usually hold hands and jump off the cliff together, the pump will leak, and then wobble with the pulley, eventually come off and fan eats the radiator and the hood. When it wobbles, it is also eating aluminum. There is a $50 Chevy fan clutch cross over write up in the tech section, and water pumps are widely available, BP Utah even has a one with a larger bronze impeller.

[jeffery212]

Thanks guys. Adding the $50 fan clutch to my list. Savannah, is this the replacement for the Viscous Fan Clutch ERR4996?

Actually, the 12 hour replacement now has me doubting my ability to do this one. I've rebuilt motorcycle water pumps, but they are easier to access.

I could not see the weep hole from the top, but will look again in the morning when it's lighter. So, I am fairly safe to assume that 95% water pump is the culprit, and there really is nothing else that would be leaking fresh coolant down here? I saw Atlantic british has a pump on sale for $99, but the one they consider oem is $159. Thanks a lot for the tips!

[Savannah Buzz]

Yes the chevy is the basic D1 or D2 replacement. Be sure to ask for the non/AC version, it is 6 inch diameter, like ours. Screws on our water pump. I changed my pump in less than 2 hours, don't know where the 12 comes from. Biggest issue is taking fan off the water pump, put wrench on, bind belt (jam rags in pulley, pull up on belt) and knock the wrench toward the passenger side sharply (Knock the hell out of it with a hammer). The clutch will come loose and screw off. Trying a long handle and slow force will just turn things. Keep bolts in order for water pump.

[Disco Mike]

Don't waste a lot of time finding the weep hole, you have a coolant leak and it can only be the water pump or the front cover seal and usually always the pump.
As already mentioned, BPoU has a new pump with a 2 year warrant that I would highly recommend.
When replacing the pump, also replace the t/stat, coolant pressure cap, get rid of the old Dexcool and switch to Peak and add a bottle of Water Wetter or purple Ice to help the coolant disipate heat faster.

[jeffery212]

Thanks Mike. I read the mixed review thread of BPofU, but it looks like a sweet water pump and I'm trusting you've had good dealings with them.

Sorry to drag this thread out, but want to make sure I get the right stuff and all you guys are so helpful.

I am now seeing that '03 - '04 have an "integrated fan clutch," which explains why I all the $60 clutches I see only list up to 2002. It is suggesting part PGG000080 for 03-04, rather than just the clutch ERR4996. Can you really not replace the clutch only on the 4.6? It looks like it bolts to the fan just like the others. Thanks again for your patience.