I have a 97 Bonneville with 100,000 miles that has developed a small coolent leak on the passenger side. I just had the upper intake manifold replaced so I know it's not that. Can it be the water pump? It seems to be on that side of the engine. Any way to know for sure? Also, is this a DIY job? If not is it an expensive repair?
2007-07-03 12:10:53 · 6 answers · asked by owen n 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Carefully look at the water pump and the pump's hoses. It could be the water pump seal has failed; it also could be the hoses are failing and leaking. A good visual inspection should tell you what the cause is.
Given the car's age, it may well be the water pump or the hoses.
I have replaced water pumps. Some are easy to get to and repair, some are not. If you can get to the mounting bolts without standing on your head while turning the engine at an odd angle (my exaggeration here) it is clearly a DIY job. I would seriously consider replacing all hoses and flushing the radiator while doing this and fill it with fresh coolant.
I recommend that you give yourself enough time to do this. It could take a first timer 2 - 3 hours to do the job. It may also help to check the repair manual also - as it may show you some critical issues. Manuals are often seen in the public library.
2007-07-03 12:19:38 · answer #1 · answered by GTB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be the water pump, but first check the black plastic elbow that goes between the intake and the water manifold (the part above the pump). When the intake was off they should have replaced this (but probably didn't). These always go bad on the 3.8's. There are also O-rings where the heater hoses connect on the back passenger side of the engine that can leak, but less likely the cause. These are both cheap (less than $20) fixes and easy DIY. Best way to check is to hose off the coolant and then warm up and check these areas. If it's the water pump it will be leaking behind the pully (they leak out a weep hole in front when the bearings go bad). Since yours is not supercharged the water pump is pretty easy as well, and run around 60 for the part. I would also check/replace any worn idler wheels for the serpentine belt, very common failure on that milage 3.8 as well.
2007-07-03 12:23:58 · answer #2 · answered by greaserat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Water pumps are a do it yourself job if your good with your hands. It could be the water pump or a hose. See if Autozone in your area has a radiator pressure tester in their tool loan program and use it. Pump it up to the pressure labeled on your cap and look for the leak to start dripping.
2007-07-03 12:16:02 · answer #3 · answered by noobienoob2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
to begin with is it leaking on the side or front? has it overheated? it is possible for it to be a water pump or possibly a freeze plug they are in the side of the block either one is a easy job to me but it depends on your knowledge of autos. if not mechanically inclined could be cheap if its a freeze plug or about $300 for a water pump. wipe it down good then start the car get a flashlight and look for the leak you may have to crawl under the car
2007-07-03 12:20:19 · answer #4 · answered by Mike 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can of worms here.The best way to start is get athe cooling system pressure tested first. This is cheap and any good shop can do it in 5 min.This is the best way to see where te leak is. If it is comming from around the water pump it is a pretty easy fix that you can do your self at home. Have done countless #s of these. Good luck.
2016-04-01 06:18:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is the water pump
2007-07-03 12:18:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋