Coolant began to pour out at a Rapid pace

MACHAT

MEMBER
2001 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
105,000 MILES

Engine began making noise as if serpentine belt was bad. Changed belt but noise continued. Coolant began to pour out at a rapid pace. Seemed as though the water pump gasket was bad. Changed gasket but coolant leak continues at same level amounts. Can the water pump be leaking behind pulley where it's not visible?

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010 AT 6:45 PM

3 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Yes impeller seal has failed coolant leaking out bottom of pump through weap hole. Time for a new pump

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 12:16 PM

JSWAIN

MEMBER
24 POSTS

Could also be the timing chain cover leaking. They are bad to leak. The water pump sits on top of the timing chain cover. If you grab the fan and try to wiggle it and it has play (fore and aft), it is the water pump. If not, it may be the timing chain cover. Most likely the water pump, but I'd look at the timing chain cover first to make sure it's not coming from there.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, May 13th, 2021 AT 12:16 PM

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

The leak is likely from the water pump weep hole due to a failed impeller seal. Which will require the water pump to be replaced to fix the leak.

Here is a helpful guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump-replacement

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

Images (Click to make bigger)