Possibly the water pump?

[hellmett]

Hi All,

Was outside Argos today and I noticed a not "insignificant" amount of coolant under the surf.

It was steadily dripping out and I popped the bonnet to see where it was coming from.

Giving it a good once over I couldn't see any leaks.

The drip is coming from the back of the bash plate.

Am I right in thinking that the water pump might be gone?

It hasn't been changed in about 5 years, something I always wanted to do but never got around to it, you know the story!

What'ya reckon?

Cheers!

Gary

[MattF]

I'd get the bash plate off and see if you can find where it's coming from. It could just be one of the hoses perished/leaking. If it's coming from the bottom of the timing cover, however, then the pump is your likely culprit.

[hellmett]

Re

Only one prob with that Matt, there's a ###### big air con rad in the way.

I suppose if the water pump has gone then this is the route the coolant would take?

Looks like it gonna be a real bugger to find.

How can I check if it is the pump without taking off the timing belt cover etc.?

[MattF]

Only one prob with that Matt, there's a ###### big air con rad in the way.

For some reason I could have sworn you had a 3.0L. Didn't realise you had the 2.4. You can drop the aircon rad somewhat if you undo the clamps onto the crossmember?

I suppose if the water pump has gone then this is the route the coolant would take?

Looks like it gonna be a real bugger to find.

How can I check if it is the pump without taking off the timing belt cover etc.?

Run your fingers along the bottom of the timing cover area and see if it's #### wet through. The only thing coolant related behind there is the pump. If it's leaking from any of the hoses or suchlike, it's unlikely to end up around the bottom of the timing cover area, unless it was from one of the matrix crossover hoses at the top front of the cover, but that would be visibly obvious if they were leaking.

[hellmett]

Re

Cheers Matt!

I'll get the overalls on and get plastered in Waxoyl again!

Any suggestions where to get an inexpensive pump?

[MattF]

Brand spanking pumps are only £40-00 from Rtrax:

http://www.roughtrax4x4.com/?doc=11&cid=149

[hellmett]

Re

Cheers Matt!

You're a gentleman and a scholar!

Gary