Water Pump Leaking ?

[frank1]

Parked the truck in the pole barn last night, came out this morning and there is a 6"-8" brown looking puddle of water on the passenger side of the engine compartment, looks like below the water pump. I recently changed the water pump,hoses,belt and new Zerex 05 Anti freeze back in May. The new pump only has 4,500 miles on it! What concerns me is the muddy color on the concrete floor. Have not started truck since last night, oil looks good. Any sugguestions would be helpful. By the way the truck is one of my automatics (2003), Thanks, Frank

 

[JJPage]

Could it be condensate from the evaporator coil, the AC comp runs while in defrost mode.

 

[frank1]

JJ thanks for your reply. Checked evaporator coil seems okay. I finally had time today to replace the water pump with a new Gates from Geno's Garage (did not drive truck until I replaced pump). So far no more leaks on ground. Hopefully, this pump lasts more than 4,000 miles!!! The old pump was also a Gates from Geno's. Are you guys using Gates or other makes? Thanks again.

 

[p-Bar]

Frank I installed a gates and no problem here. My research said this was the best one to go with . They are new all Cummins pumps are Reman. Atleast they are easy to change out... .

 

[cerberusiam]

I installed a gates and no problem here. My research said this was the best one to go with . They are new all Cummins pumps are Reman.

The gates pumps are not that good, last one lasted 9 months and less than 20k. Completely shelled the bearings and seals. Cummins has new water pumps not just remans, at least that is the way they list and price them. A lot more expensive than the Gates but if the my experience is any indication more effective. The Made In China on the Gates was not conducive for confidence.

 

[frank1]

Thanks, cerberusiam. I noticed the made in China on my box also... heading down to my local Cummins dealer and buying a new pump for the shelf. Frank

 

[cerberusiam]

I noticed the made in China on my box also...

There has been some discussion whether that means the box or product or casting or parts are made in China and of course where it is assembled. Considering your experience and mine I am leaning towards the whole thing is substandard.

I still have the orignal pump with over 175k on it for a spare. Had to use it the is last time until I could get to Cummins and get a new pump. It sqeaks a bit but doesn't leak. From all the evidence, the Gates quality has nose dived. I have a Gates on a 12V from the same source that has been running for 6 years and a lot of miles with no issues. Go figure.

 

[SCCampers]

frank,

Check the hose clamp on the radiator hose connection below the water pump and slightly to the rear on the passenger side of the engine. The engine block heater is right in that area also and can leak. You should move the airbox out to get at that stuff. The only coolant I could find was under the radiator hose clamp. Tightening the clamp solved the leak.

I was equally suspicious about the water pump.

Eric

 

[frank1]

SC, thanks for the recommendation. Checked all hose clamps, all seemed tight. Put about 150 miles on truck since I replaced the pump and no more puddle underneath truck on passengerside. Still have old pump, the weep hole is wet and pulley turns smoothly. I believe she was on the way out.

 

[CBari]

Side note what is the capacity of the cooling system. I noticed puddle on the ground in front of my 03 yesterday morning checked sure enough water pump leaking good thing it held up for the eight hour drive home.

 

[frank1]

Can't believe this! Just got in and noticed another small puddle (about two inches in diameter) underneath truck again!!! Maybe two hundred miles since I installed the new pump (another Gates pump that's what I had on my shelf). Can this pump also be defective??? Will check closer tomorrow morning.

 

[cerberusiam]

Check and make sure it is not coming out between the AC compressor mount and the block, thats a nother leak point. If it is th epump that is extraordinary bad luck.

 

[EDankievitch]

We've found that all the water pumps on the market suck. Stock ones have failed after only 90,000 miles Gates after 70,000, carquest 75,000 miles... ... . If anyone has abetter option I'm all ears.....

 

[frank1]

I believe I found out the problem of my second "leak". Poped the hood yesterday morning and found some antifreeze fluid on the air box lid. I tightened the overflow hose, took the truck out and ran some errans ... . no more leak!!! Checked this morning everything seems to be dry! Thanks to all with your suggestions and Merry Christmas. Frank

 

[frank1]

Quick update- truck still had small puddle under truck every morning for the past week. Found antifreeze droplets on airbox (again), I checked all hose connections, everything seemed tight. Went down to local NAPA dealer and bought new radiator cap installed it yesterday afternoon, no leak this morning!!! Hopefully, that resolved the problem. Frank

 

[Grizzly]

Most auto parts stores have a radiator cap pressure tester and will test your cap for you. BTW, I'd get a brand new cap tested as well.

george

 

[frank1]

Can't believe this ! Leaking again!!! Another puddle of anti freeze on the ground, below the water pump area! I have not driven the truck since yesterday (nearly 24hrs. ). No puddle this morning or early afternoon. Did a little reseach on TDR and found an artical regarding a possilbe cause, bad wall seal between AC compressor and side of block. Posted by Ken Irwin on 8-6-12. There seems to be fluid at the bottom of the compressor, I also agree with Ken in that the over all system should be pressurized to find the exact location of the leak. Well, need to drop the truck off at a local shop to help me with this one (don't own any type of kit). Again, thanks for all your helpful sugguestions. Frank

 

[MarkMcDaniel]

any progress on this leak? i have coolant dripping around the front edge of my AC compressor and am trying to locate the source.

McD

 

[frank1]

Mark, it was another bad water pump. Replaced it and so far so good ...