Coolant Leak. Help. '89 Sable GS Wagon - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

danr · 07-12-2003, 17:36

I notice my coolant is leaking under the drive belts area. I am a new owner of this car. The previous owner said he replaced the radiator and radiator hoses recently. The coolant appears to be seaping out between the engine and the oil pan, just behind the oil filter. This is a 3.0L engine. Any ideas as to why it leaks? It sucks to keep on refilling the coolant reservoir every 3 days. The engine runs fines, but the temp gauge sometimes fluctuates between L and O area of "Normal".

Extreme_2020 · 07-12-2003, 19:11

Could be the water pump..they leak when they are dying/about to fail..

Id get it pressure tested at a mechanic/radiator specialist as soon as possible...especially if you have to refill it the amount you are saying..

Extreme

danr · 07-12-2003, 19:56

Is the water pump driven by the serpentine belt? I just had the belt replaced by my service center.

mongrelEB · 07-12-2003, 20:34

Most probably water pump, yes.
Cost you about $60 for the pump and depending on difficulty, 1/2 to an hour to fit it.

But have a closer look at the leak first, it may only be the seal between the hose and the pump.

danr · 07-13-2003, 05:37

I can't find a Haynes or Chilton manual from a car parts store. Can anyone provide instructions on how to do this?

mongrelEB · 07-13-2003, 15:27

To take the pump off?
You will need a screwdriver and a spanner/ratchet (probably 10mm but I don't know your car, so...)
Undo the hose clamps and remove hose(s) from pump, I usually drain the coolant from the thermostat housing so as not to get water in the alternator. If you have a big catch tray you can save the coolant - I usually don't bother unless it's brand new.
Undo the fan shroud. Usually these come off with the fan, so leave it loose for now.
Then unbolt the bolts through the front of the pump and pull it forwards then up. Mind the fan/shroud on the radiator!

mongrelEB · 07-13-2003, 15:31

I would only do this if I was very sure the pump was knackered. Usually it's the hoses or the seal on the back.

If you do decide to take the pump out, you will not necessarily need to replace it; I suggest testing it in the following manner:
1. Do the little fins on the back look particularly corroded?
2. Hold it upside down and fill it with water. Leave for a while. Does it leak?
3. Wiggle the shaft. If you can, the bearings are gone and you should replace the pump.

As in all things, Ford genuine parts will be twice the price for no real quality gain. A good Goss water pump or some similar aftermarket brand will do you quite well.
Good luck!

danr · 07-14-2003, 16:35

I'm not happy with the cause of the water pump leak. This has something to do with the previous owner, who mentioned to me that he installed a new water pump. I decided to have a tech look at the issue as to why it leaks.

It turns out that the previous owner did not install the pump correctly. The tech said one of the bolts that hold the pump in place was already broken, causing the pump to lose its seal and leak. The tech is still trying to get the second piece of the bolt out. He also said that the new water pump installed by the previous owner was remanufactured and possibly defective.

The new pump(genuine Ford) will cost me $90(which is kind of expensive IMO) with 1.5 hrs of labor at $75/hr. This sucks

bertson265 · 07-15-2003, 02:42

Sounds like a problem..

My car was using more coolent than petrol, had the whole thing presure tested, new hoses, new coolent bottle, new water pump, basically new everything that i could think of. Well last week it spent the whole week in the local auto shop, as yes it had a blown head gaskit, and 4 holes in the head!!! I was like wow... i have had the car for a year and it took me all that time to find out the problem, but anyway its all good now, that i had the head welder and shaved a couply of thou.. (which will make it go harder) and a new head gaskit, along with a new drive chain, and cover. It is going to cost me big $$$ but shit happens and at least i know not that everything is sweet and well.

mongrelEB · 07-15-2003, 05:37

Meh...at least you know what was wrong with it.
I would ask the guy to prove it's defective though, quite often people will lie to you in order to sell you a more expensive part, this is why I do all my own work now.