5.3 Liter Water Pump Gasket Leak?

[OchAyeZ71]

I am trying to determine the source of my coolant leak. At first I thought it was the water pump, but the weep hole is dry. It drips on the passenger side of the motor at the front of the oil pan near the AC compressor. The problem is I cannot see where it starts. I am guessing it is the gasket but i just cannot see it. My truck has 92k on it so a water pump leak would not surprise me. Any insight would be appreciated.

[brianf60]

They leak from the gaskets all the time. Only seen 2 that actually leaked out the weep hole. I always put a newpump on anyways. Just for warrenty...

[Ape0r]

Had the same problem on my 2004 at something around 87k. Was the gaskets. Never saw any water, just saw the coolant level drop. Did find some orange residue where it had been dripping onto the motor out of the gaskets.

 

Only way I can think of to get quick confirmation is to remove the WP bolts one at a time. One or two of mine were seriously caked with nasty shit where it had been leaking.

[OchAyeZ71]

Thanks for the information. I have read a few post stating the gasket leaks are common. Looks like I will have to pull the pump to find the source. At 92k I think I will replace the the water pump rather than just the gaskets or I will be doing it all over again in a few thousand miles. It does not look like too bad of a job and I will get to play with my air tools. I researched the pump and new ones range from about $120 (AZone), $140 (Napa), and $250 from the dealer (ouch!!). I think I will skip the dealer on this one. Probably will do the TS as well since it has to come off anyway, and they are pretty cheap. It would have been nice if this had been leaking 6mos ago when I did hoses and belts.

[Lone_StarZ71]

I am experiencing the same problem with a very slow loss of coolant with just a drop on the skid plate if the truck sits for a few days. I would check Pep Boys out, they have a Bosch water pump and gasket for $117.99 with a lifetime warranty. If not Amazon has an OEM AC Delco for $107.99, but I have never ordered parts from them.

[KMGZ400]

same problem on my 01 5.3 with 77k on it. water pump was shot

[az'03Silverado]

I had the water pump gaskets replaced under warranty after about a year of owning my truck. Now, 7 years later, they're leaking again a little. I'll probably do it my self when I get time.

[Matt09SLT]

 

 

Pretty good how-to -- gave me an excuse to buy an air chisel

 

I did the one in my wife's tahoe in about 3 hours taking my time.

[az'03Silverado]

Makes me want to change my water pump. That new one looks good and it's way easy.

[blankey]

Mine had the same leak that your describing but at only 50k miles. I replaced the gaskets and haven't had a drop since. It's actually a very easy replacement.