Water Pump holes

[Braedon]

Ok, I searched and found nothing on this. I have my new water pump installed and I noticed little holes on it...I think there are 3. I am wondering what they are? The pump came with some tiny studs but the holes aren't threaded. Does anybody know why these holes are there?

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[95blackGsTurbo]

They aren't for anything. They won't leak or anything. I wondered that the first time I saw them in a stock waterpump.

 

[Braedon]

Really? they really look like they would leak!!

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Do they go all the way through the waterpump? Mine didn't.

 

[Braedon]

I can't tell....let me try and get a better picture of the holes....Ill do it right now

 

[Braedon]

Well, I dont need to post any other pictures....I can see down the hole...and I see what looks like a shaft. If I turn the pulley, I can see the "shaft" turn as well.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Very odd.

 

[Braedon]

Yes it is! It f'n sux, I dont think I will ever get this car running again!

 

[FORMONTOYA]

If the seal in the water pump is working properly, nothing will leak out of the hole(s). I can't tell you why they might be there other than maybe it has something to do with the casting process. Although, every water pump I've seen from a 4-banger to a V8 has a "weep" hole if you will, and when the water pump seal starts to go bad, fluid will leak from that spot.

But to reiterate, fluid doesn't naturally leak from that spot with a good water pump.

 

[Braedon]

Are you sure man? Even though I can see into the water pump and see that "shaft" turning inside?

 

[FORMONTOYA]

Are you sure man? Even though I can see into the water pump and see that "shaft" turning inside?

Yes, I'm sure.

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This one has been on my car since Dec 05. I've put around 4K miles on it. It looked identical to the one that came off the car previously and it was on the car for around 40-45K miles......no leaks. It will not leak from those holes UNLESS the seal goes bad. The seal is behind (inside) the hole on the shaft.

 

[Braedon]

Ok, cool!! Thanks for the help guys!!

 

[Black Venom]

My understanding about "weep holes" is it's a warning sign, it was specifically built into water pumps to give warning of a water pump failure.

When it starts to drip water it's got a very short lifespan left.

 

[GVR4592]

My understanding about "weep holes" is it's a warning sign, it was specifically built into water pumps to give warning of a water pump failure.

When it starts to drip water it's got a very short lifespan left.

That's pretty much right on. The seal goes bad(usually from excessive shaft play), water leaks from the weep hole, you see it leaking and replace the pump.

 

[Defiant]

The intended purpose of weep holes is to let a leaking water pump seal not only warn you before it gets too advanced, but to keep the leak from finding its way into the sump or an oil passage.