Technical Coolant residue under the timing belt cover

[tobywood13]

Hi all, I’ve been chasing a coolant leak recently. I’ve just changed the radiator as that had a buildup of coolant residue in the lower left corner (looking at the car), so I assumed it was leaking. Well, 15 mins after fitting the new one it has the same blue fuzzy patch in the corner.

I removed the timing belt cover, and the inside was full of the same blue fuzzy. Is there a common source of a leak in that area? I suspect water pump, but if there’s an easy culprit to address I’d gladly take that option first.

 

[bugsymike]

Does sound like a water pump, as a moving part it can leave a spray of coolant in a line on radiator, I have seen a line in the inside of bonnet as an indicator also.
You may see a drip of coolant shortly after parking under pulley end of engine, or if you leave some newspaper held down with a brick it may pinpoint more.

 

[tobywood13]

Does sound like a water pump, as a moving part it can leave a spray of coolant in a line on radiator, I have seen a line in the inside of bonnet as an indicator also.
You may see a drip of coolant shortly after parking under pulley end of engine, or if you leave some newspaper held down with a brick it may pinpoint more.

That sounds like what I’ve got. There’s a line that goes down the radiator and onto the cross member below. Any tips for water pump replacement? Is there anything else I should do at the same time?

 

[bugsymike]

That sounds like what I’ve got. There’s a line that goes down the radiator and onto the cross member below. Any tips for water pump replacement? Is there anything else I should do at the same time?

If in cam belt area then a cam belt kit and new alternator belt. It depends when last one was fitted.
Incidentally if cam belt drives water pump then if too tight that can be a cause of early water pump failure.

 

[tobywood13]

If in cam belt area then a cam belt kit and new alternator belt. It depends when last one was fitted.
Incidentally if cam belt drives water pump then if too tight that can be a cause of early water pump failure.

Do you know if there’s a gasket for the water pump? Some kits I’ve seen have them, others just have RTV sealant.

 

[bugsymike]

Do you know if there’s a gasket for the water pump? Some kits I’ve seen have them, others just have RTV sealant.

Not off hand, it may depend on the supplier.