Weird weep hole

[bcjjones]

I just replaced the head on my 93 eclipse 2.0 non turbo. While turning over the crankshaft to set the timing i notice a small amount of coolant dripping from the water pump weep hole. But the belt for the water pump wasnt hooked up. So the water pump wasnt turning while the engine was. So i figured maybe that was the problem. I set the timing. Hooked the belts back up, including the water pump belt. While turning over the crankshaft, after everything put back together, the small leak stopped. No more water out of the weep hole. Now this was about 2 weeks ago. Havent had any problem with it leaking since. But i only put water in the coolant just temporarily. I drained and flushed it out lastnight, and refilled with pre diluted coolant/antifreeze mix. I noticed though, after refilling, that the weep hole was again leaking. Ran it for a while lastnight and it had a constant small leak. So i drove it to work this morning, the whole time the weep hole was leaking. I got to the shop and it was leaking much more then before, not pouring out, but a good little leak. Car sat most of the day. On the way home, it didnt leak at all. Not one drop, and hasnt leaked since. I left the car outside about an hour, checking on it periodically to make sure it didnt overheat, and it still not one drop has came out. I check the coolant level and its still in the full range. Then again let it cool down all the way, let it run for about an hour, and still not a DROP of coolant.

I know the weep hole indicates that the pump seal is going out, but it confuses me why it doesnt leak all the time. A bad seal is a bad seal, and should leak all the time. The only thing i can think of is maybe i overfilled the system? But as far as im aware that shouldnt cause this problem. Any ideas?

 

[luv2rallye]

Gaskets/seals expand and contract with temp changes. If it leaked once you can be sure it will again (and at the worst possible time of course). The pump needs replacement.

 

[jrohner]

My water pump had water running out of it when I had the belt off; didn't ever leak with it on. The bearing was really bad; replaced it before my 2 hr drive to the track.

 

[bcjjones]

Ill just replace it then. Thanks for the help to understand.

Curious how long it took you to replace it?