Coolant leak near Timing case.... whats up?

[mitsugsx95]

I have had a small leak in the area of the timing case, right near where the oilpan and the timing case meet. I put some RTV in there just to see if that would help. I only leaks after the car has warmed up and has been driven.

I went to work today and one of my co workers told me that there was a stream of coolant leaking from my car. It wasnt too bad, but it was noticable and I could tell it was coming from the same area.

I there any gasket there where coolant would flow that would most likely fail or need to be replaced? THanks.

 

[LethalEagle]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Sounds like your water pump is on the way out.... That's what mine did.

Good luck,
Lee

 

[mitsugsx95]

YIKES!

Oh well , i guess ill be doing the water pump, timing belt, BS removal sooner than i though. . Im gonna put it up tonight and take off the timing cover and see whats leaking.

Is it something thats just gonna blow up on me, or is it somehthing that i can drive till the weekend?

 

[SpeedFreak03]

I would be afraid that the water pump might die, then your car would overheat, which means blown HG or even warped head. I don't know how hot it is in Illinois right now, but how soon do you plan to replace it? If its a few days then just go easy on it and watch your temp gauge. But if its gonna be a while then I wouldn't risk it, how are your temps now? If they are still low then you will probably be okay, just watch that gauge!

 

[mitsugsx95]

Well, considering the fact that I just went to the track last Fri, and had to drive a hr 1/s each way, and the temp gauge stayed right in the middle (where it always does), Im guessing it should be ok to drive it to and back from work. Im gonna order a new WP and get the BS removal kit, and everything else to do with the timing belt ready for this weekend.

I just hope it doesnt kick the bucket before then

 

[SpeedFreak03]

Just monitor your temps and you should be fine till then. I really dont think in 3 days the WP will totally die, and sometimes even if the WP dies the car doesn't even overheat (but watch your temps anyway). Good luck with the install!

 

[mitsugsx95]

Yeah, i was REAL paranoid coming home today, but i went to autozone and picked up a water pump for $60. I still have to get the timing belt stuff, but it should be ok till the weekend. Thanks for the help.

 

[luv2rallye]

Recommend you install a new o-ring on where the pump goes into the crossover pipe. The old one stretches and sometimes (mine just did) installs incorrectly (gets squished) and then leaks there.