Water Pump Problems!

[MischivousSlpwlkr]

So, after almost a year without any major problems it seems like the water pump on my '96 OBW 2.2L has crapped out on me. I was leaking lots of coolant, so I took it into a mechanic who pressure tested it and said that the only place coolant could leak from in that part of the engine is the water pump.

 

Not having the $500+ to replace it along with a timing belt, I elected to continue driving the car, filling it with coolant as needed. The other day, it started to overheat on my ride home, so I pulled over, let i cool down, and then got home. Later, when the car was cool, I tried to refill the radiator, and found that it wasn't empty like it usually was when the car would start to overheat. I'm guessing this means that the water pump isn't pumping any coolant at all now. Is this correct?

 

Anyways, I have a bunch of questions for you most excellent folks:

 

1. Does this business about the water pump sound right?

 

2. If the mechanic is only a few miles down the road is it safe to drive there?

 

3. I'm thinking about attempting the job myself, though I really have no experience working on cars beyond brakes and oil, I'm fairly handy.... Is this something anyone with the inclination can figure out? Will I need many tools beyond standard wrenches and sockets?

 

4. Regardless of who does the work, I'm gonna get the parts myself. I'm def. gonna do timing belt+water pump. Should I do seals too? (They don't seem to be leaking right now...) If so which ones? Where's the best place to buy this stuff online? OEM or not?

 

5. A guy I work with who works on cars on the side said he'd do it for 400bucks if I got the parts -- Thats for the pump, seals, and belt. Good Deal?

 

Oh yeah, I've got 172,000mi on the beast.

 

Thanks a lot for your help!

[nipper]

Yes this sounds right. Also if your leaking lots of fluid, not just a few drips, you are clsoe to the point of total failure of the water pump. Yes you should resela tha cams, crank, and oil pump. You will also need a tensioner and idler. THose parts are due to go south on you, especialy if its throwing antifreeze on the bearings.

There is a weep hole in the bottom of the water pump that is there to let you know the pump is failing. That would leak a little water. Leaking alot of water is bad.

You should also replace the t- stat and the radiato cap at this time.

No do not drive the car to the shop. One good over heating and the engine needs head gaskets. All it takes is one accident or traffic jam between point a and b and poof.

Yes you can do the job yourself. Get a haynes book.

 

nipper