I blew my water pump on campus and refilled the coolant tank before carefully driving the one mile back to my dorm. I am planning on taking the Durango to a shop about 7 miles away. Will I be fine driving this far? Will I need to stop and refill the coolant tank on the way? It's a 2002 4.7 if that makes a difference.

 

Is the pump still turning, but just leaking around the bearing If so you might be able to limp it there while topping off the coolant, but I don't think I'd recommend it though. If you have no other option though you should be able to do it carefully.

 

When it first happened it poured out and left a huge puddle. I just checked it and the pump appears to be turning but the the pulley or whatever is wobbling slightly, and it only leaked maybe a cup of water. Is it leaking less now because it is not pumping and there is no pressure?
I think I'll get some water and limp it down the road as I'd rather not pay for a tow.

 

If it's spinning it should be pumping. If it's just wobbling a bit you can probably get away with going a short distance (wouldn't take the engine about 2000rpm). There's always a risk of the shafting going completely and having the fan come off and ruin stuff. Like I said, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're really in a bind.

 

hey, Not sure if this is the proper way to ask the question. But Ive been through the first couple pages of the threads and havent seen one responding to this issue.

Does anybody sell a replacement coolant drain plug. The last person to drain the coolant on my truck broke the twist cape of mine off. I removed it, (hoping thats something you can do, without compromising the radiator) and am Looking for another.

 

weswes, you know there is a temp gauge on the dash, which should help you decide if you can make the 7 miles as you go.

 

Yes Jeeper, mine doesn't have the numbers on it, but I'll make sure it doesn't go past the normal range.

 

I wouldn't want it to go much past the middle if it were me. The 4.7 will not take kindly to being overheated.

 

Made it the 7 miles to the shop. Stopped halfway to let it cool down for about 20 minutes (turning the heat on helped), then I continued. I'll update yall later with how much it cost.