WATER PUMP FAILURE

TXAGGIES88

MEMBER
GMC C1500

Make: GMC, model: Yukon XL 1500 (2WD), year: 2002, mileage: 74,000, engine size: 5.3L V8.

Car Pros, I was recently under my truck changing the transmission fluid when I noticed that the engine had a somewhat clear oily leak coming from the front of the engine block. The liquid appears to be coming from the weep hole of my water pump, but I am concerned that the leaking fluid is more of a clear machine oil and not coolant. Does this sound as if my water pump is failing or could there be another problem at hand? Currently the engine does not run hot and the coolant level is not low.

If the water pump needs to be replaced, is this something that a novice could do or do you recommend that I take this to a shop for repair. I have access to garage tools so any estimate on how long I should set aside to complete the repair?
Thanks for your assistance.

3 Replies

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Hi
if you have access to tolls would you have a cooling system pressure tester, if so, I would recommend testing before a replacement and as far as time with hand tools I would set aside 2 hours to be safe, if you do find that the water pump is leaking and need some help with tear down feel free to ask for help

Jim

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Sunday, March 11th, 2007 AT 7:44 PM

TXAGGIES88

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Jim,
Thanks for the response. Can you let me know your opinion if you think the leak is coming from my water pump. Does the pump have some self contained oil to keep it running. Also what should I look for with the pressure check? The leak gives me about a 4-6 inch round puddle on the ground after about 30 minutes of running. Thanks, Paul

if you think that m

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Sunday, March 11th, 2007 AT 8:16 PM

CHEVY22

MECHANIC
1,375 POSTS

Hey Paul, the pressure test would let you know if the leak was actually from the water pump, you put pressure on the system on the cooling system without circulating it and if there is a leak at the pump this will show you for sure, the water pump has a diaphragm at the weep hole when it pops the coolant will leak, im a stickler on testing, I dont like to replace parts that arent bad, so if you cant get the pressure tester, see if you can get a mirror on the underside of the pump to verify the leak

Jim

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Sunday, March 11th, 2007 AT 8:30 PM