98 avalon water leak

1998 TOYOTA AVALON
139,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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SLAMMINSAM
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While driving 98 toyota avalon, engine shuts off, won't restart. Notice water leak from block area, fill with water/coolant steady leak from block area, (not the hoses or radiator). Tried to start, will crank, but not start.
Could a leaking water pump keep it from starting?
Mar 20, 2011 at 5:41 PM
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KHLOW2008
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The leaking water pump would not prevent the engine from starting but overheating due to loss of coolant would blow the head gasket resulting in loss of compression and preventing the engine from starting.
Mar 20, 2011 at 6:03 PM
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SLAMMINSAM
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Thanks! That was it. I was hoping it didn't get that hot. Checked compression...nothing.
How expensive is a head gasket replacement?
Mar 20, 2011 at 7:16 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Book time for replacement of one bank is 7.8 hours and 12.6 for both. Head gasket is $56.41 per piece. There could be a lot of hidden cost depending on the amount of damage.
Mar 21, 2011 at 1:26 PM
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SLAMMINSAM
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Wait a minute, it wasn't a head gasket!!!
While the water pump was leaking, the water pump bearings locked, causing the timing belt to break. No compression since the belt is not turning the OHC.
So instead of $2000+ for head gasket, it's going to be $700 for water pump & timing belt.
Evidently not an uncommon problem with Toyota's.
Mar 22, 2011 at 12:10 AM
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KHLOW2008
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Glad to know the problem is not as serious as first thought.

Have a nice day.
Mar 23, 2011 at 1:31 PM
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