Coolant Leak - Front Right Side of Motor

[Dave in Mpls]

Moved the truck this morning and noticed a small puddle of coolant. It had leaked down over the front sway bar and is coming off the skid plate. Didn't see anything obvious (haven't had time to pull the skid plates and get it up on a lift), but tend to think it is leaking from the water pump gasket based upon location.

 

I purchased the truck last week w/ 46K, and the small dealer where I purchased it is going to take care of the problem, whatever it turns out to be.

 

My question is - if it is the water pump gasket, should I have the pump replaced? I would most probably end up having to pay for the pump if it is just the gasket leaking, but I'm not opposed if it would be good PM. I'm just not sure how long the water pumps last on the newer 5.3s. Would a different gasket (i.e. Fel-Pro) be the way to fly?

 

Anything else I should look at doing while they are in there (thermostat, flush, etc)?

 

Ain't life fun!!!

 

Thanks!

[Bish]

Moved the truck this morning and noticed a small puddle of coolant.  It had leaked down over the front sway bar and is coming off the skid plate.  Didn't see anything obvious (haven't had time to pull the skid plates and get it up on a lift), but tend to think it is leaking from the water pump gasket based upon location. 

 

I purchased the truck last week w/ 46K, and the small dealer where I purchased it is going to take care of the problem, whatever it turns out to be.

 

My question is - if it is the water pump gasket, should I have the pump replaced?  I would most probably end up having to pay for the pump if it is just the gasket leaking, but I'm not opposed if it would be good PM.  I'm just not sure how long the water pumps last on the newer 5.3s.  Would a different gasket (i.e. Fel-Pro) be the way to fly?

 

Anything else I should look at doing while they are in there (thermostat, flush, etc)?

 

Ain't life fun!!!

 

Thanks!

 

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I'm not sure about replacing the pump now. I flushed the cooling system every 75K and ended up replacing the pump at 150K ONLY because I was changing all hoses and didn't want to have to deal with the pump later. It had not given me any trouble and was not leaking.

 

I have heard some really good water pump longevity stories on the new body styles.

[C & A s Dad]

Dave, It would be my bet that if the coolant is coming from around the pump, it is not the gasket but the pump itself. My Dad's went out on his 2000 5.3L around 50K. This is rare but it does happen.

 

Either way, I would definitly flush the system and replace the pump while I had it off. I am not sure changing the stat is necessary but it would keep you from doing it later. Be sure if you flush it to run the rear heater to make sure the flush and the clean water that you are running through it makes it to the rear unit. I would also suggest that you run clean water through it at least 2 if not 3 times driving it at least 10 mins or so each time to be sure all the flush and junk is gone. Then refill it with a 50/50 mis of Dexcool and if you have read many of my posts, you know I believe in a chem from Lubegard, called Kool It (part # 96001). It is a wonderful product that will eliminate all Chemical Electrolysis. We sell a ton of it and have never had an issue with it.

[Draenor]

Be sure if you flush it to run the rear heater to make sure the flush and the clean water that you are running through it makes it to the rear unit.

 

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+1 Alot of places forget to do this.