Help, antifreeze everywhere!

[skobylenski]

Just noticed this the other day, antifreeze has been leaking out the front of my engine for a few days now. It looked like it was coming from around the water pump, so I pulled it off, replaced the o-ring gasket, smeared a good amount of sealer on it too, and put it back on. Started the old goat back up, and lo-and-behold, it STILL leaked. I'm now starting to think it may be a little more serious than just the seal around the water pump. It doen't seem to be the head gasket, but I'm just not sure. At any rate, I'm out of a vehicle until I get this fixed. Thanks for any help anyone can give me. I'm just hoping this isn't too serious, like a cracked engine (my dad's worst fear) or something.



Thank you,

Scott

 

[JStoll]

Ive definatly chased my tail on a few coolant leaks so I know how you feel.

what I find verry useful is my pressure tester & a mirror mounted on a antenna (sorta) which you might find at a parts store or tool truck that can be positioned to see things otherwise out of view Im new to dodge CTD so I dont know if theres a common prob there but the mirror will help pinpoint it & remembeer allways look for the highest point where coolant is seen, the same aplies to any leak

good luck

JAK

 

[paccool]

Scott,



Above the water pump and sorta behind the oil filter is the oil cooler. Sits in the housing behind the filter. Make sure you look carefully in this area. Check the dip stick for water in the oil.



Are you sure the pump seal itself is not leaking?

 

[DPKetchum]

Have also seen them leak at very front of head/gasket area.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Chances of "a cracked engine" are slim... . you're looking for a seal, hose, clamp or something along those lines I'd bet.

I had the darn hose clamps start to leak on mine last year. Some are tucked in behind/below the alternator/oil filter area.

Maybe you just need a new WP.



bob.

 

[nascar mark]

My guess is the water pump itself. There is a weep hole on the bottom/side which you can see if you use a mirror. Look at it and if any fluid is coming from the weep hole, replace. Water pumps are cheap.

 

[skobylenski]

Well, I replaced the pump itself, and after a few cuts, scrapes, and profane words, the new one is in, and low-and-behold, the antifreeze isn't leaking anymore. Upon further inspection, the pump itself was leaking through the weep-hole. The terrible squeak is gone, too. I'm guessing these two problems were solved with one piece.



Thanks to everyone who replied with suggestions, and nascar mark, where'd you find a cheap pump, I shelled out $170 at the local Freightliner dealer



Scott

 

[nascar mark]

Originally posted by skobylenski

Thanks to everyone who replied with suggestions, and nascar mark, where'd you find a cheap pump, I shelled out $170 at the local Freightliner dealer



Scott

$70. 75 at PDR.

 

[skobylenski]

Let me rephrase that - the local Freightliner STEALER!



:{ Hmmmm, someone remind me to get in touch with Piers next time. I should have thought of that one myself. The only problem is the fact that I'm on the rather right coast, so shipping is a bit of a problem. I suppose overnight would have been less than $100 though

 

[JLEONARD]

Scott,

FYI..... if there is no one closer to you, Cummins Metropower in Rocky Hill, Ct is a Cummins distributor. 860 529-7474

I haven't priced a water pump from there, but other things I've bought there are within the "reasonable zone", and they will ship.

Might be worth a phone call if you get in trouble with something next time.

Jay