Hey all,

I replaced the water pump on a friend's 2001 sunfire yesterday (2.2L OHV) due to it failing. The weird thing though is once the install was done and I filled the coolant back up, I noticed a constant coolant drip coming from the same area the water pump is.. but it is not coming from the water pump...

There is a bracket that loops under the oil pan that the exhaust manifold and suspension are attached to on the passenger side and the coolant is dripping from there. It is dripping down onto the bracket and onto the exhaust and is also getting onto the timing chain housing it seems as well. Any suggestions as to why it would be leaking from there other than a cracked block??

The background of the situation is that the friend went to go get her oil changed a week or so ago and then drove her car home, didn't drive it for the weekend and then drove into town on Monday and the car overheated within 10 minutes of driving. The cooling system was then pressurized and a whole bunch of air was blown out that was in the system. She drove the car again and it was fine for a day or so and then it did the same thing again.. more air in the system. And then found a leak at the water pump which was then replaced as mentioned above. And now this leak.

I am stumped...

Andrew


2004 Stage 4 SRT-4
1996 Cavalier Z24 Custom Turbo

Look very carefully at the metal pipes that feed the heater. They rust, badly, and can develop small pin hole leaks which will eventually become a large gusher.

Did you get ALL of the old gasket off of the housing for the pump? it can be difficult to do in the space you have to work in, you get to a point when you say "ENOUGH" and stop thus leaving just a small bit that prevents the gasket from sealing 100%.

Clamps all tight?
I had a broken Thermostat housing once on a 2.2, just seeped, never really poured out coolant. Someone must have over enthusiastically "tapped" on the the thermostat at one point!!

Let us know what you find,

Dave