I've been reading the site for years and usually found answers to my problems but now I got one that has got me losing my mind.

I bought the car at 100K and it had a water pump leak and replaced it. (it was easy once I got the fan clutch off, I built my own tools) Now 3 years and 55k later I had coolant leaks. I replaced the Thermostat housing as it had a hole in it but realized I also had a leak from the water pump, so I replaced it with one from Rock Auto.

2 Weeks later I had coolant running out of the water pump so I figured it was a bad part so I got one from O'Reilley's and installed it. 2 weeks later I have coolant pouring out of it again, it was mid week so back to OReilleys and a "better" pump. I replaced the reservoir cap as well. It lasted three weeks and failed. 2 weeks ago I had to replace that one as well.

I could see the water just running out of the hole near the pump shaft.

So that makes 6 water pumps.

I went to the local garage for my emissions and asked them about my water pump issues. They said they didn't want to look at it because I do my own mechanical work and they would be wasting their time. GRRRR

After all this it must be something wrong with the car. I'm not sure what to do as it looks like this pump is starting to leak. (coolant flush) pulleys, belt, and tensioners look good, carefully cleaned mating surfaces made and replaced the gasket. Any help would be great.

Thanks in advance,
Ben

 

You replaced the water pump with third party replacements instead of OEM? Non-OEM gaskets are also hot garbage and prone to premature failure. Atlantic British Rover Parts sells both the OEM water pump and OEM water pump gaskets. You can get both for $120. .

https://www.roverparts.com/engine-co...s/4575902OEMA/

 

I wish it was as simple as the gasket but its Atlantic and British if I lose the new one. I took everything apart yesterday and flushed the whole system yesterday, crossing my fingers.

 

Either there is an install issue or there is a leak some place else making you think its the pump.

 

I wish it was, I'm watching coolant come right out the lower vent on the water pump. Ordered new pump and gasket from Atlantic and British and will replace the pulley as well. It has just the slightest wobble. (maybe about .010")

 

That is just weird. Even the cheap AC Delco pump is used by many and holds up well. Pretty much the only cheap one I would go with though besides OEM. Good thinking on pulley, something is up and I just dont think it could be the water pumps themselves. How does the belt feel? If a belt is too short and maxing out the tensioner it can really strain stuff.

 

Yeah the belt seems good and the tensioner seems to be doing its thing.