Timing Side Coolant Leak

[ziggo0]

New build - leaking coolant from timing side. I pulled the water pump, new gasket with a nice rtv style sealer, torqued to spec and everything re-assembled, it seems from the front of the car the timing belt is bringing coolant up? and it throws it forward, up and onto the window. It seems to be puddling up on the power steering pump mount...I can't for the life of me track where this is coming from. Can anyone give me some advice please? 2g 7 bolt.

 

[Project2G]

You can use dye and a black light to find the leak.

Review: CaseETC PC blacklight and UV fluorescent coolant dye

 

[ADrewzki]

New build - leaking coolant from timing side. I pulled the water pump, new gasket with a nice rtv style sealer, torqued to spec and everything re-assembled, it seems from the front of the car the timing belt is bringing coolant up? and it throws it forward, up and onto the window. It seems to be puddling up on the power steering pump mount...I can't for the life of me track where this is coming from. Can anyone give me some advice please? 2g 7 bolt.

If it pools near the ps bracket, then I'd say the likely culprit is the water pipe that goes into the water pump. I know, I know, you put it together perfect... seriously, that pipe with a new o-ring is just about the most difficult thing I have ever put together. Check there.

 

[LiquidX]

What you have water wise on that side are the water pump, water pipe, water cooled/heated oil filter housing. One of those is the culprit.

 

[ziggo0]

From the thread I made on dsmtalk, it seems to be the water pipe. Guess I need to get started on tearing it down again haha.

 

[luv2rallye]

One common source of a water pump leak is the o-ring not installed properly. You must replace the o-ring in the crossover inlet pipe by putting it on the pipe end first, coating with coolant, and then insert pipe with o-ring into water pump – do not put the o-ring into water pump first as it will not seat properly and will leak.
Also do not use RTV on the water pipe. The o-ring does the job of sealing the water pipe to the pump housing and doesn't need anything else. The RTV will reduce it's ability to seal and flex and can actually create ways for the coolant to leak. Make sure that the water pipe is free of any corrosion where the o-ring sits and that the o-ring is lubed with coolant before putting the pump on so it isn't cut or torn. Take a scotch brite pad (the green kitchen scrubbers) and polish the water pipe end if necessary. Use a new o-ring. Make sure you don't scratch the inside of the water pump.