I am in the process fo changing out my intake gasket b/c of engine over heating but now i'm beginning to notice that it may be the water pump. the thermostate housing was dry and there was little cooling fluid in the manifold. I am curious to now if the area was dry b/c the cooling fluid could've drained over time? Or is from a failed water pump?

also does the water pump flow counter or clockwise?

 

what kind of car and what year is it?

if you are losing coolant you may want to check your oil to see if it is milky, that would indicate the problem is a blown head gasket. this is a common failure on teh 94-96.5 3.8L mustang. are you losing coolant out your intake?

 

it's a '95 mustang gt. there is no coolant int the oil. I thaught it was the intake gasket initially b/c i seen coolant leaking. so i am changing the gasket now anyway, but I suspect the waterpump was the original cause.

 

If it is leaking it is probably your h20 pump or your thermostat. Just change both at the same time it's cheap insurance anyways.

 

Check to make sure the intake isnt leaking at the corner as the end bolts tend to corrode and will allow the intake to leak. Best bet is to pressure test it cold and hot and see what you have going on.