Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Water Pump Weep Hole

[bassman]

Where is the water pump weep hole that I am suppose to inspect at regular intervals? I have 120K on my truck and have never looked at it.

 

[fj40charles]

Bassman,



I believe it is on the bottom side of the water pump. Anyone know how many miles I can expect out of a water pump? Should I get a spare and carry one around?



Thanks in advance,

Charles

 

[A Johnson]

I changed the water pump on an ISB a few weeks ago on a UPS truck. I don't remember exactly where it was but I remember you could not see it very easily. From what I remember it looked like the mounting O/R was leaking and it was in fact the weep hole, so I don't think you can see it. If memory serves the housing is cast differently than a regular B series, and the weep hole is hidden to keep minor build up from showing.



Charles, I have changed water pumps between 1500-300,000 miles. It is really a simple thing to do and I would carry one on any long trips, and keep one in the garage around home. Depending on the hours your local Cummins/DC dealership keeps. The core charge might be prohibitive.



Bassman, I would just look for any antifreeze (white)residue running down the tin cover or gearhousing towards the A/C mounting location

 

[illflem]

Here it is, here's how you check it http://dodgeram.org/tech/dsl/cooling-sys/weep_hole.htm



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If you have been doing regular coolant changes I wouldn't worry about carrying a new one till you bust 150k or are far from home. They're easy to come by and install, Napa can get them.

 

[A Johnson]

Good one illflem, this is hilarious because the last ISC water pump I worked on came off the road with a pencil pounded in it to try keep it from leeking. I assume you are just pointing out the weep hole.



IS this a twelve or twenty four valve water pump? To be honest I dont know that they are not interchangeable , I've never asked but I don't believe they are for some reason . --AJJ

 

[illflem]

AJ, the 12 and 24 are different, the link I gave shows both. 24 valve weep hole is much easier to see.

 

[TomGolden]

Well... ... I don't like to disagree with upstanding members like Bill Fleming, but I can't find the darn thing:-{} I was at the NorCal Diesel Rally in Napa, CA this past weekend, and a 12 valve member blew his water pump and I helped him change it. His engine had ~180K miles, run pretty hard. He blew it after doing a monstrous burnout contest and blowing one of his tires



Anyway, I actually had printed out the page you will find at the link Bill provided above, and took it to the rally in the hopes that someone there could help me find the darn weep hole on my truck, as I have never been able to. After seeing where it is on the 12 valve pump, even though the 12 and 24 valve water pumps are very slightly different, it at least gave me an idea where to look... ... 4 of us spent almost a full hour looking on my truck, and another 24 valve truck, looking from the top, bottom, every possible angle, and we could absolutely not find or even feel it!



But, the good news is, the pump takes about 5 minutes to change. Remove the serp belt, 2 easy bolts, and you're changed. By the way, Greg got a new one for his truck at a local Napa, I think he said it cost like $60. Whole thing fits in the palm of your hand. It sure ain't like no water pump I've ever seen before.



Tom

 

[Tom G]

Not All 24 Valvers Have Holes

Hi All:



Just thought I would jump in and tell you a short story.



Purchased a new 2001 3/4 ton in about sept/oct of 2000. It had a weep hole where it is normally located (top quardant at about 45 degrees when viewed from the front). Sorry but don't remember the build date of this truck.



Making a long story short:



I traded this truck in for my current 2001 1 Ton which was manufactured in November 2001 and it does NOT have any hole at all. Top, bottom, sides, etc. looked for that sucker with an inspection mirror and there is just no weep hole in the water pump (at least I can't find it).



One nice thing about the Cummins is that IF it ever goes bad it looks really easy to change. Remove the belt and a couple of bolts and your home free. Got to love this truck guys



Tom G.

 

[A Johnson]

This is what I was trying to say in my first post , there is a weep hole you just can't see it.

Maybe Pmadrid will jump in a clear this up for us.