bc6t Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 After going through a cup of coolant every week, I finally was able to trace it to a small leak(s) in the water pump housing cover (thank god it wasn't a HG). If I go to the effort to get to the bolts that retain the cover should I also just go ahead and replace the water pump. The car has never overheated and the pump appears to be working just fine. All of this happened right after I changed the coolant (with 3 tabs in upper hose) - some coincidence! If I want to seal the cover back on, do I need to pull it right off? and what would I use to re-seal? rtv? gasket? I assume that if I leave the pump alone I will not need to use any pulley puller or any special tools, etc. Also, has anyone done this before - when looking up at the leak from below, the cover seems to be in a really tight spot - it looks like a whole lot of stuff has to be removed to get to it - you can barely see it from the top... Any insights would be much appreciated. Tom R. 1998 Cadillac STS with 102K Miles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasonA Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Tom, I'd probably be inclined to put a new water pump on, with your mileage. The water pump seal (the o-ring at the pump cartridge) failed at about your mileage, on my '97 Seville. You'll need a water pump housing gasket (it's a pre-shaped rubber seal), the water pump cartridge (comes with an o-ring), the water pump tool, and I'd go ahead with a new ACDelco thermostat as well. The way I do it is (after draining the coolant) unbolt the upper coolant hose from the water pump housing (two small 7 or 10mm bolts). The thermostat is right there. You can also then unbolt the pump housing (it's just four 10mm bolts). Use your new housing seal, and replace the water pump cartridge if you elect to do that also. Bolt everything back up (don't over-torque) and fill with coolant. My '01 STS has all sorts of air pump hoses and plumbing right above the water pump area. My '97 didn't have this. It doesn't look all that difficult to remove, but if that's the stuff to which you're referring -- I agree, it looks pretty crowded in there. After some of the stuff is out of the way, it generally doesn't take a long time to get the pump housing off. Jason(2001 STS, White Diamond) "When you turn your car on...does it return the favor?" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stsjoe Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I agree with Jason, and would go as far as replacing the upper and lower hoses too if you haven't already Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigCat83 Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 To replace the water pump cover gasket you may have to buy a new cover with the gasket. The gasket was re-designed and is not compatible with the original cover, requiring the replacement as a set. It's not difficult to get that cover off. One screw in the bottom is a little tough to get to, but not terribly difficult. I believe the screw head is a 10mm and there are four screws - two top, two bottom. While you're at it you should also replace the thermostat, the water pump drive belt and check the water pump tensioner pulley,bearing. If it exhibits any wear or roughness replace that too... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAC Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 The best gasket maker on the market is called The Right Stuff. I used it to seal my water pump cover without needing a gasket. If fact, the whole purpose of The Right Stuff is to eliminate the need for pre-cut gasket. The Right Stuff does make gaskets quickly so there's no waiting around until it dries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 The water pumps are pretty reliable and easy to change, so personally, I would not change it if it is not leaking. I would just change the gasket, but the choice is yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc6t Posted November 5, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Thanks for the feedback... I think I will get my hands on a new cover and gasket and go from there. If the water pump fails in the future, at least I will know what to do after doing the cover replacement.... Will I need any special tools, though? Tom R. 1998 Cadillac STS with 102K Miles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Only for the pump, not for the cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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