Water pump leak affecting engine

Tiny
KAKSHOOK
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 LINCOLN MKX
  • 0.6L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
My water pump is broken and has leaked some coolant into the oil of my engine. The engine still starts and runs without issues. Is it safe to just replace the water pump? Or is it likely I will have engine problems soon? Is there a way to tell now without taking apart the engine if there may be damage, for example the color of the oil? I really like my car and do not want to get a new one if I can repair it with limited cost. Thanks
Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 AT 1:50 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Good afternoon.

The water pump failure caused the engine to overheat. From that, it may have damaged a head gasket causing coolant to be in the oil. You need to have a leak down test performed to be sure a head gasket is not damaged.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolantantifreeze-in-the-engine-oil
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Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 AT 2:34 PM
Tiny
KAKSHOOK
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  • 2 POSTS
Roy,
Thank you for your response. The engine light never lit up on my car or the sensor for it being overheated. What I noticed to take my car in for service was that it was leaking a lot of fluid. I originally thought it was a problem with a compression hose. No sensor lights came on for any of this. It was after taking it for service that I was told the water pump had failed. Is the engine overheating a given despite no sensor lights being lit? If yes, I will request a leak down test as you recommended.

A second question is that I was told the water pump in my car is in a difficult place to service. Could there be a mistake in assuming it is the water pump and it really is only a hose? My husband told me prior to driving it in for service, he poured water into the radiator while the engine was off, and the water leaked out immediately. Is it still possible it is a hose issue rather than the water pump? Is there any type of test that helps decide between the two issues?
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Okay, there is no sensor that will tell you it is overheating. You need to watch your gauge on the dash while the engine is running.

As far as the leak, a pressure test should have been performed to verify the leak. That will confirm where the leak is located.

Roy

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 AT 2:36 AM

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