Water pump leaking

Tiny
ALEX MC
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 MERCURY MARQUIS
  • 4.6L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • 170,000 MILES
Found leak coming from bottom of the water pump. As I’m taking it out and about to put new one in I noticed that on the inside were it goes to the thermostat there was a hole rusted out on the inner side. I’m not sure what's going on or how to fix. No, I have not taken cover off the timing chain to see but just wanted to see how to fix before I do anything else.
Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 3:29 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

So you are seeing rust inside the housing area?
Can you upload a picture of the rusted area?
So we have a better idea of the issue.

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

Thank you.
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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
ALEX MC
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Can’t see hole still but at that little drop down.
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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 3:51 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
It appears to be corrosion buildup. Just clean it out with good cleaner. As long the surface is smooth where the pump goes into, should not have any issue. If you have rough edges or dings/dents on the mounting surface then you will have to worry about future leaking.
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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
ALEX MC
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry, I said it went to the heads but it goes to the thermostat. Does that change anything?
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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 4:19 PM
Tiny
SQM
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  • 6,383 POSTS
Are you changing out the thermostat or housing?
It will probably be a good idea to change that as well. That way you do not have to get into it again.
Let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
ALEX MC
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  • 4 POSTS
Changing everything but here is a shot video and you still can’t see the spot I’m talking about but close to it. I can’t get my finger in all the way but it’s jagged don’t feel anything but it is open on the other side. If you stop the video at end it’s in the bottom left of the divot (just before going up to the thermostat) is there supposed to be a a opening there is and is just rusty or is there not supposed to be there?
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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 4:41 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
It just appears to be residue buildup up. From the video I did not see anything unusual.
Just do a good cleaning before putting on the new parts. Also I would recommend a flush after you change out the water pump. That will help clean out the system.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars
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Sunday, July 18th, 2021 AT 4:51 PM

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