jschunke Posted July 22, 2004 Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 So my 94 SLS (Northstar, 120k mi) just started leaking coolant. It leaves a nice puddle under the water pump (drivers side) and the puddle goes a few feet back toward the rear of the car. The pump housing appears to be dry, and I can't tell where it's leaking from. Guess it leaks when hot then stops. So should I change the pump and the housing gasket? What else could be leaking in that area? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgr7 Posted July 23, 2004 Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 sounds like the pump weep hole underneath, this is a precursor to bad water pump. Time for a pump change. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike5514 Posted July 23, 2004 Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 Housing cover could be leaking as well as the pump weep hole also check the upper radiator hose connection. I think the thermostat is around there too. You should use a inspection mirror to really be sure. If you had access to a cooling system pressure tester you would be ahead of the game. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschunke Posted July 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 Thanks for the input. So the water pump assembly is enclosed within the case, but the weep hole is exposed to the outside somewhere. Also, the Haynes manual is not clear, they say to completely remove the water pump pulley assembly, then the cover but do not mention the special tool to remove the pump assembly. Do I have to remove the pulley? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted July 23, 2004 Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 Thanks for the input. So the water pump assembly is enclosed within the case, but the weep hole is exposed to the outside somewhere. Also, the Haynes manual is not clear, they say to completely remove the water pump pulley assembly, then the cover but do not mention the special tool to remove the pump assembly. Do I have to remove the pulley? You have discovered how useless those Haynes and Chiltons manuals are..... The cover and water pump belt must be removed. The special tool is used to unclock the pump - clockwise to remove the pump and counterclockwise to install the pump. You do not need to remove the pulley from the pump. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfyr Posted July 23, 2004 Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 this last winter I smelled (&saw) the coolant leaking from my 98 SLS w/ about 50k miles, the next morning on my 4 mile drive to work my engine overheated to the point of engine use reduction kicking in (all in about 3-5 minutes of idling and driving at no more than 35mph in 40 degree weather). Of course when I arrived at work I saw the puddle of coolant. Refilled it and again 2 hours later it all leaked out. Anyhow, point being don't waste time if you know your coolant is leaking, you don't want to end up with blowing gaskets with the engine overheating, as mine easily did. just my 2cents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sfyr Posted July 23, 2004 Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 fogot to add, my problem was simply the water pump. Hoses, etc were fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschunke Posted July 23, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 Think it's OK to buy a water pump assembly from say NAPA, or go to the dealer and buy a GM part? I called the dealer and the parts guy said I'll break my motor if I don't install a GM part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted July 24, 2004 Report Share Posted July 24, 2004 the parts guy said I'll break my motor if I don't install a GM part. That's a new one... You won't damage anything by installing an aftermarket part. The aftermarket part might not last as long as the OEM part but you won't damage the motor. Try www.gmpartsdirect.com or www.gmotors.com. Both are GM dealers that sell genuine GM parts over the internet and the prices are close to wholesale. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschunke Posted July 25, 2004 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2004 So I found a paper towel in the air cleaner duct. I must have dropped it in there the day before it started leaking coolant. Coincidence? Then I couldn't find my Craftsman flashlight after replacing the water pump cartridge. I found that too inside the air cleaner duct. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adallak Posted July 25, 2004 Report Share Posted July 25, 2004 So I found a paper towel in the air cleaner duct. I must have dropped it in there the day before it started leaking coolant. Coincidence? Then I couldn't find my Craftsman flashlight after replacing the water pump cartridge. I found that too inside the air cleaner duct. well, at least yoy know where to look at when something is lost in the house (glasses, checkbooks, keys, calculators, laptops...) The saddest thing in life is wasted talent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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