Water pump leaking; proper fix ?

[RamVanMan]

Hi Y'all....

Hope your summer is going well. Hot, hot, hot 'round here. What else in July ?

Perfect time for cooling system issues, eh ?

I noticed a coolant leak from the weep hole on the water pump. Overnight it leaked out about a quart or two, a pretty good drip.

Funny thing is the water pump is barely a year old. Low quality rebuild perhaps ? :huh:

I just fixed the leak, temporarily, with Barr's Leak cooling system sealer - the kind with the brown 'rabbit pellets'.

I was wondering your guys take on how effective I can expect this repair to be ?

Any idea how far can I drive ?

My trusted mechanic is about 100 miles south of here, in San Diego. I just tested it round the block, then about 10 miles. No leaks for now.

I think it goes without saying to replace the pump in SD, as next week we need to pull a 3500 lb trailer to Texas.

Reason I'm asking is I don't know just how well or poorly a coolant system stop leak can work on a pump shaft seal ?

Isn't the pump shaft seal what is going bad when the weep hole leaks ?

I really appreciate any helpful advice you guys can offer, thanks !

David ;)

[Mazdax605]

I can't answer your questions regarding how well a "stop leak" will hold up,but if it were me I would do the water pump ASAP,and this time use a NEW pump instead of a REBUILD. I know what sort of job you are looking at as well,because I just got done doing this same thing on my 2001 2500 Ram Wagon.I don't know if you have the rear AC and such like I do,but if so you are in for a lot of fun while replacing the water pump. I would suggest replacing the bypass hose,thermostat,and other hoses as well while you are in there.Good luck,and you can keep the heat down there. We have had a pretty mild summer up here in the Northeast so far,and I like it that way.

Chris
2001 Ram Wagon 2500 8 passenger
1979 Mazda RX-7 GS
1974 Mazda REPU
2001 Jayco Kiwi 23B hybrid travel trailer

[DANVAN]

Ditto, or at least carry the parts with you.

[Dodgevanman]

ACK! Not the dreaded stop leak! Once you get the new water pump installed, flush the bejesus out of that cooling system to get that crap out of there. That stuff clogs up radiators and heater cores like you wouldn't believe. That's how it stops leaks...it clogs up the cooling system.