Just wondering if anyone knows if the tube on the water pump that goes to the heater I believe is replaceable it has a bolt that holds it to the block . Mine is leaking coolant from the tube at the water pump just need to know if the water pump has to be replaced or just the tube

 

if its leaking out of the thermostat housing area, it could just be a split hose, remove it and cut it back and put it back on......if its leaking from the weep-hole on top of the water pump, then that's an indicator that the water pump is worn and needs to be replaced....your thermostat housing could also be leaking, but less likely than the other two options...

 

Its leaking from the inlet tube for the heater .

 

then replace the tube.....AZ or OR or any number of places carry heater hose (don't use garden hose or anything cheap, LOL).....should be easy enough to take a few clamps off and put the new one on....probably have to drain your tank to the lowest level of the hose too, so make sure to get some antifreeze while you're at the parts store...

 

I have a 2002 dakota, 3.9, manual tranny. I was driving home from work and my power steering went out. Finally got it home, the serpentine belt was off and my water pump was leaking. Do I need to replace my water pump? or just the gasket?

Also, just from trying to remove the water pump, anyone else have problems removing the bypass hose on the back of the water pump? I am not a mechanically inclined person, but I know enough to be dangerous, and I have a Haynes. I'm trying to use this opportunity to learn more. I've removed the fan shrouds, the reservoirs, and the water pump, but the hoses are stuck, almost glued on I think. I might have to replace them.

 

It was over a year ago when i did this so its hard to remember, but I think i loosened the a/c for a little bit more room to work, used a knife to slit the tube then put pliers in to pull it apart. wasnt worth spending 45 minutes trying to get a $5 hose off.

 

I just replaced the water pump on my 97 3.9

the tube you speak of has a O-ring inside the water pump.
I don't know if you can get just the tube BUT
if you wish to remove just the tube.
1 remove the hose,
2 loosen the nut,
3 pull the tube out in the same direction it is pointing,
4 take it to parts store they should be able to find a suitable O-ring

to install

put small amount of RTV silicone on the O-ring it will help
slide the tube in the water pump and help seal it a well
then reverse the removal order.

if you are going to remove the water pump remove the clutch fan 1st
(the BIG nut between the fan and pulley)
1 then remove the fan guard
2 then the belt
3 then remove bottom rad hose
4 then heater hose from tube
5 then bolts for water pump
6 then the clamp for by-pass hose

[since in that far might as well replace by-pass hose
unbolt AC compressor from the brace
NOT the AC hoses
and move pump out of the way]

7 then you can loosen clamp and remove by-pass hose

install in reverse order

a little silicone on the hoses help them slide and seal
a new O-ring for the tube came in my new water pump
replace clamps as needed.
be sure to save anti-freeze it is poisonous dispose of properly if needed

hope this helps

Killer