Hello
i have a 1995 mustang 3.8L, I have a leak from the timing chain gasket, it is leaking coolant, but i cannot tell if my water pump is bad and if it is leaking down from the water pump into that area because it is almost right below it. My car is only able to drive about two to three blocks without it overheating. I do not have white smoke coming from it, or The coolant is not mixing with the oil either. If you could help me out would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks

 

How bad is the leak? Does it just drip or does it pour out? If it just drips and you are over heating that quick I would replace the pump. The bottom of the water pump has a hole in the bottom called the weep hole. If they go bad internally they will leak from there.

Pull the water pump and timing cover off and just replace the water pump while your are there. If you don't want to buy a pump yet just reseal the timing cover and see if it works. If not then do it all over again and get the new pump. Either way just do it the right way and get a new one.

 

its just a drip

 

You'll hear the bearing knocking if the water pump is bad, but water pumps are so cheap it's worth it to swap out the water pump while doing the timing gasket. While you're in there inspect the timing chain as well. Use a dremel or drill with a sanding bit to clean the surface clean of the old gasket. Some books and shops will say to use both a gasket and either gasket maker or gasket sealer, it is not needed and can actually cause it to fail again in the future. The gasket alone is more than enough as long as it's torqued to standard settings.

 

i hear a squeaking noise like something rubbing, but i do not know if thats the sound or not.

 

The bearings in the water pump probably. I use a copper gasket coat in a aerosol can on the water pump, timing cover and water outlet gaskets to help seal them.

 

hey guys i have a quick question should i torque my New water pump down ?

 

no you should just put them in finger tight. Who uses tools now a days.....




Of course you should torque it down!

 

lol..... ok i was just making sure i am still new to cars thats why i was asking
thanks

 

If you do a search, I posted the full sequence and torque specs