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Did my water pump go bad?

MikeInCtown

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MikeInCtown Enthusiast

MikeInCtown

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For several years I know I've had a very, very small leak somehwere in my system. On hot days while sitting and idling you could smell antifreeze if you had the hood up but never see evidence of a leak. I add maybe a half gallon a year at most to the overflow.

 

Today I went to run to lunch and noticed what looked like a lot of water under the truck. I added about 3/4 gallon of water just to get the level to where a little remained in the overflow. Upon inspection of the engine, I found the bottom frame crossmember completely wet. the water pump housing looked completely dry. after running the truck around the block for a while I pulled back in and found some wet spots on the hoses in a pattern that looked as if water had dripped on to the belt and sprayed off onto whatever was in the area as the belt went around a pulley. I also saw evidence of spray on the liner under the hood as well as the fuse box.

 

I don't see any leaks on the hoses, from the thermostat housing, or anywhere else. Given that the coolant appears to be hitting the belt and the front of the engine looks dry, is it safe to assume that the water pump bearings or seals have gone bad and the coolant is leaking from the front of the pump? I'm used the old style small block water pumps where you could easily see where coolant was coming from. Now I'm not so sure. Given this will be a $200 DIY fix I want to be reasonably sure the pump is the issue. (pump, 2 hoses, thermostat, antifreeze, and possibly a belt)

 

Also, any special tips on replacing the pump? Seems fairly straightforward in that you remove the radiator shroud, air intake for room, belt, hoses, then bolts.

txab Senior Enthusiast

txab

Posted
Posted

What year and type of vehicle? Gaskets have been known to leak also. Look on youtube for videos of replacement procedure

MikeInCtown Enthusiast

MikeInCtown

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Posted

Sorry, it is an 04 with the 5.3. (Sierra extended cab 2wd)

 

Strangly enough there is a spot on the very top of the pump housing hat has a glob of dried out antifreeze. there is no seam there, seal or anything around it that could drip water there.

 

there are two different pumps showing. One with a 2" outlet and one with a 1.9" outlet. i'm assuming the larger one will be the correct fit but not 100% sure. Rock auto has replacement pumps at a great price.

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