I have a 96 dodge 1500, 5.9 L 2wd.

I recently had a thermostat stick and caused more problems. I replaced it and the water pump. I began to fill antifreeze in radiator and noticed it still leaking. With a light I seen where it was shooting out while running. It is behind the water pump about two inches away from the pump. On the housing that the water pump bolts to. Dodge garage said it was the timing chain cover that the water pump bolts to and there should not be any coolant there. So why do I have the leak from that spot? Is it a water jacket or a freeze plug that is leaking? I have worked on this issue for to long now, And can not afford to take it to have a professional repair shop fix it. Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Umm, there is too fluid there. You probably broke the timing cover gasket when you changed the pump. Make sure none got in your oil before you start it anymore. Do you have a Haynes manual atleast?

 

the timing cover has water jackets at the top, and then the water pump bolts on top of that. the timing cover forms the back plane of the water pump cavity. its probably cracked. here's a pic of timing cover w/water pump off.

 

here's a lot of pics, prices, and info on water pump, timing chain, rear seal, and oil pump.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...er-pump-2.html