[eneubert]

Hi, for about the last few months, I noticed a puddle under the engine the next day after use. The radiator also was losing coolant. I put two and two together... and....


Upon further inspection, it appears that radiator coolant is leaking from behind the main pulley that the radiator fan is bolted to. As in it's coming from behind the fan and from the engine block itself. Also, that pulley has some minor travel to it, about 1/8 inch while running.


How bad is this? And is it a relatively easy fix?


Thank you in advance.

 

[JaimeZX]

Sounds like your water pump is on the way out.

Here's a 23-minute Youtube video on Water Pump replacement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9H0316eHpc

 

[slimpartywagon]

definantly either the water pump seal is out or the timing chain cover is leaking.. either way it needs to get done NOW... untreated you can run into some serious engine head problems in the near future.

 

[Lazarus Truck]

Jamie had a good link, and Slim is right to say to check the timing cover at this time. This is only my suggestion, but before you open the cooling system, remove all the other stuff that will be in your way. Alternator, ac bracket, etc. You should be able to see the problem areas of the timing cover very clearly by then. Then rent a radiator pressure tester from your local auto store. Pressurize the system to 16psi and watch for leaks or seepage on the upper sides, or "ears" of the timing cover where the water-passages are. Doing this now will save you from doing the job twice.

 

[Warlock III]

I think you've got some excellent advice above. The only thing I can think to add is that the fan is threaded onto the water pump. It can be removed a number of ways. You should be familiar with one or two before you start.

Edit: I just watched the video. What a hack job. Be sure to prep yours first. Remove the upper fan shroud and protect the radiator with cardboard or an old pizza box

 

[spooledsrt]

Hope it all works out for ya

 

[JaimeZX]

Edit: I just watched the video. What a hack job.

More useful for understanding the steps involved than the preferred techniques.

I honestly don't remember how I got my fan off at this point... could have been impact.

 

[slimpartywagon]

I don't know why every one says the fan is so dificult.. I took it off before removing the belt... and tightened it back on after I replaced the belt.

 

[gofishn]

I don't know why every one says the fan is so dificult.. I took it off before removing the belt... and tightened it back on after I replaced the belt.

Got a friend who does it like that. He can do a complete drive train yank, rebuild and re-install, wearing white, and go to a wedding, in the same clothes, with a slight washing of his hands. I, on the other hand, just walk into a shop and walk out a dirt magnet.

Really, really envious of guys like you.

Dave

 

[slimpartywagon]

Got a friend who does it like that. He can do a complete drive train yank, rebuild and re-install, wearing white, and go to a wedding, in the same clothes, with a slight washing of his hands. I, on the other hand, just walk into a shop and walk out a dirt magnet.

Really, really envious of guys like you.

Dave

That is me... I don't even make it into my shop before my hands are covered in grease... Typical 9:15 am pick of me.