Reply With QuoteUm, a classic would be like between 40 and 20 years old, corrosion might be a reason.
welsh plugs and ally thermo housings and the like do corrode away by themselves.
Super Moderator & CA manager
SubscriberWell, when I got home, I noticed a small wet spot under the Classic. Haven't driven it for 3 or 4 days and I didn't think much of the spot on the ground as the car is always in the same place on the gravel part of the driveway and I just assumed it was the normal spot it leaks oil on - yes I hear you gasp - a Rangie leaking oil!!! Who would have thunk it.... Anyway I have just been outside again, and it is now a large puddle and growing fast
! It is leaking coolant somewhere around the water pump, but I can't see exactly where it is. The hoses running to the pump are all tight - I'm guessing it is the pump itself that is leaking.
Has anyone else had thier coolant system just spring a leak for no apparent reason, while the car is just sitting there? I know some gensets I used to work on got cold water leaks when you turned the block heaters off, but this is used to sitting for weeks at a time without being used.
Any ideas??? Cheers - Gav
If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.
ForumSage
Um, a classic would be like between 40 and 20 years old, corrosion might be a reason.
welsh plugs and ally thermo housings and the like do corrode away by themselves.
Super Moderator & CA manager
SubscriberYeah, that was a thought I had, but I replaced the thermostat not long ago, and the alloy in the housing was in mint condition. Also, after I fixed the thermostat, changed the viscous and fan, and cleaned the crud out between the radiator and the AC condenser, it doesn't even think about overheating anymore - even with the AC on in the mid 30's - doesn't sound like a car with a cooling issue or pump issue - would have thought if the inside of the pump started to corrode, then it wouldn't pump as well - could be wrong though... Also, this car has had it's coolant changed religiously every two years for the last 20 years, so although you are probably right, it certainly isn't a given I wouldn't think - I guess I'll find out when I pull the pump off.
But the question I want to know is - why would it do it just sitting there, compared to when I'm out and about in it at temperature, with the cooling system under pressure - I would have thought there would be a much bigger chance of that happening. I suppose I shouldn't complain - first time one of my Rangies has broken down in the driveway and not on the side of the road, miles from anywhere...
If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.
AT REST
The rubber seal in most water pumps has a thin concertina sleeve of rubber keeping the fluid in. They definitely perish, I have replaced seals in other pumps. It may have chosen that moment to crack through.
Super Moderator & CA manager
SubscriberThanks for that - all should be revealed by this time tomorrow. I'll whip it off when I finish work and see what we have. Still seems strange to me, these things never cease to amaze me on what goes wrong on them...
If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.
ForumSage
Nothing is as satisfying as breaking down....in your driveway!
Super Moderator & CA manager
SubscriberNot wrong. I opened the bonnet, checked where the leak was, checked the hose clamps, realised the pump had to come off, closed the bonnet, walked inside and grabbed a beer...Originally Posted by superquag
Nothing is as satisfying as breaking down....in your driveway!
If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.
A Keeper of the TGO
It's having a "moment" reminding you who is in charge.....
But the question I want to know is - why would it do it just sitting there, compared to when I'm out and about in it at temperature, with the cooling system under pressure - I would have thought there would be a much bigger chance of that happening. I suppose I shouldn't complain - first time one of my Rangies has broken down in the driveway and not on the side of the road, miles from anywhere...
Bringing the L322 home dirty after our last trip just pushed the jealousy button
I have seen heater taps on trucks leak on the shafts after sitting for two or more days, fine when run daily though.
Maybe cold ambiant tempratures played a role.
Super Moderator & CA manager
SubscriberWell, finally got around to taking a look. Ripped the water pump off tonight, and it could be one of a couple of things. Although there is a sign of a slight weep from the hole at the bottom of the pump, this is not where it was ****ing out - I could see this from underneath and it was coming from further back.
There is also a small sign of a leak past the gasket, and I'm hoping this is what it was, because I'm not sure where else it could come from if it's not the things I've mentioned.
Inside the pump is spotless - no signs of corrosion at all on the pump or housing - makes me glad the FIL was so anal about changing the coolant every 2 years without fail. See photos below of the pump and the housing - pretty pleased to know the insides of the engine aren't falling apart
By the way - does anyone know if the seal in the pump is servicable? It would be a shame to trash the whole thing just because of a dodgy seal...
Cheers - Gav
If you need to contact me please email homestarrunnerau@gmail.com - thanks - Gav.
AT REST
Try an industrial pump manufacturer, you need a hot water rated 5/8" seal. Pressing the pump apart is an art, support the pump with a steel block with a 4" circle cut out for the impeller to pass, and use a blowtorch to rapidly heat the alloy housing while the pressure is on. You need a steel sleeve to press on the bearing outer race. I doubt if you'll get the impeller off without removing the bearing first. I've done plenty of P76 pumps cos of their lack of new ones, only a couple of LR ones.
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