Hey guys, got another problem I haven't been able to tackle by myself yet. Started noticing some puddles underneath my engine bay, and realized it was coolant (stuff smells great!). I then noticed it had an almost constant dripping for up to 30 minutes after I shut my engine off, sometimes up to 1-2 Hz right after.

So obviously my next step was to trace it to the source, which is where it gets difficult. It's somewhere near the front of the engine, around the serpentine belt system. But it's so crowded in there I can't really narrow it down much further than that, even removing the fan cowl. It doesn't seem to be coming from any of the hoses, but I can't be certain. Maybe the water pump is somewhere in that area and a leak has developed?

I've got some pictures I took to best represent the source of the leak. So just take a glance and throw out any suggestions y'all have, thanks!

The red circle in each image represents the uppermost location I can see it coming from.

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/667/leak3.jpg

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/3118/leak2c.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/3377/leak1n.jpg

 

Most likely water pump. Will make pulley wobble at idle when approaching final stage of life. Leaks around gasket, but more often seal and shaft bearing. That's hard to see with fan pulley. Can remove belt and turn by hand to detect rough or wiggle. See https://landroverforums.com/forum/ge...+pump+internal.

In final stage of life, the pump will sieze, the belt come off and the fan blades tear away, into the radiator and out through the hood, or at least attempt to make a good dent there. Can wobble enough for impeller to chew up the $1000 front engine cover.

About $45 - $150 for the new part, depending on source and brand. About an hour, maybe two if you are slow and pudgy like me. Make damn sure you put bolts back in same hole the came from, they are various lengths and you can punch a hole in the front cover.

 

Your water pump is right above the harmonic pulley in that area. You need to wash that front of the engine and pay close attention around the water pump. They tend to leak on the gasket.
I attached the image of the front engine cover where the pump bolts on to.
Let me know if you need any other pictures since I got my old pump and engine cover in the garage I just replaced. I can take more pics if you need.

If you need to replace it, I suggest replacing it with the OEM one. Stay away from cheep "Chinese" pumps. They only last a year or so. Also you need to take off the fan (which is PITA) and a few other pulleys and brackets. Not a huge job....but nothing that can be done on the fly either.

See attached.

EDIT: SORRY "BUZZ"....I GUESS WE WERE POSTING AT THE SAME TIME BUT YOU SAID EVERYTHING I WANTED TO....LOL

 

you need to borrow/loan a preasure tester, clean up the front of your engine preasurize the system to around 20 psi and look for the leak. It will show it's self eventually it may take you a little time to trace it down. Not only is a water pump a common cause but so is the front timing case cover, and that can send water dripping from just about anywhere when it is hot and under preasure.

 

Question for you, how many miles on the engine? I am asking because you are going to have to pull the front cover and water pump, if you are over 100,000 miles I would suggest you replace the timing chain and oil pump because of mileage wear.

 

Maybe he will be lucky and it is just the WP, but if it is in the high miles club might want to do the chain and oil pump like you advise, Mike. But here's another question - if you have the fan clutch and pulley off, so you can see what is going on, even if it is just the WP, seems like it would be a good time for a manual oil PSI test while it is easier to get at things.

 

With most other vehicles I would agree, but with the pump design that Rover uses, they are prone to failing and at the same time making some irratic pressure. I have seen a number of people pul the front cover to reseal it finding their chain loose and the pump cracked and they weren't aware it had failed.

 

Yep, several posts with pix of the multi-cracked oil pumps. I'd trade immobilization for a decent oil and temp gauge...

 

I found out my oil pump outer ring was in 5 pieces and didn't even know it. Truck is not even in the "Cursed VIN" range. Found out during gaskets change. Definitely got lucky!