Hi guys, noticed a large coolant leak from the front of the car. Dripping off the bottom of the crank pulley but eminating from the passenger side. Suspect the water pump. The top hoses/pipes seem to be ok. Its hard to see in and around the water pump to confirm. I have read some guides regarding WP replacement but im no mechanic however it does look relatively straight forward. Anything special i should watch out for. What can i leave in while doing the exchange to make it easier. Any one want to assist? Mite be able to offer a free tank of gas to assistant. Cheers Bruce
My pump mount was pitted. Same symptoms as yours, pump was still good but i would lose quite alot of coolant.
i had the same problem about 4weeks ago, started ripping my car apart, radiator out, fan out, water pump pully and belts out, then i was lookin round the water pump area (as you said its hard to see) and noticed that the coolant was comming from just above the water pump. one of the two short coolant hoses going from the top coolant pipe to the engine had a hole in it. But im sure others have had the same problem and it ended up being a water pump, just thought u should know so u can check it out b4 u go replacing the pump. Cheers Chipo
Ive got the 53mm rad out, what a bitch, few hoses, fan, clutch and pulley. Now i know why they say do a 100k while you are there, cause i dont really want to have to do this again but hey its all practice. From what i can see, there is whitish powder around water pump gasket area where the coolant has dried up. Off to get a pulley puller and will do that over next few nights for the first time. My virgin pull. Will update as i progress. Cheers Bruce
RE crank pulley removal. I dont have an air wrench so i would like to know the following; Can i undo the crank pulley nut/bolt while in 5th gear and with the drive belts still attached? (to hold crank pulley still) or does the fact that the car is in 5th gear negate the need to keep the belts on? Once the nut has been cracked, i can then remove the belts and place the gear puller on and remove. Does this sound ok. Bruce
Hey Bruce, do you really need to remove the crank pulley to change the water pump and two front hoses? By the sounds of things, that's what you should change to stop your leak.
Hi Wayne. I know the timing covers hide x4 water pump bolts. Im pretty sure to remove the timing covers the crank pulley needs to be removed. I will check further tonight. I would like to give the car another 100k and UDP but budget wont allow at the moment.
Can't really comment on the leak, put up some piccies. As for the crank pulley, put it in 5th, put on socket with breaker bar and turn. Drive belts are irrelevant, the pulley is keyed to the shaft. DON'T LOSE THE KEY...
UPDATE!!!! jobs done!!!! Feeling proud as punch having completed the water pump exchange with no apparent leaks. Laptop says car is running at 80 degrees occasionaly climbing to 81.:thumbup: Big thanks for everyones replies, special mention to Ron (Wizard) for over the phone advice, and the tech section. Without all that i would not have attempted the job. Im no mechanic but keen to learn. For all those comtemplating working on your zed, its a big reward when the job is done, knowing you conquered your fears.:zlove: Cheers Bruce
Good one Bruce Always a good feeling when you take on something you think is beyond you and accomplish it, well done.:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: Today iv'e just put in a new clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, spiggot bearing, thrust bearing,and rear gearbox seal into mine. and all i'm feeling is tired.
