I noticed a coolant leak under the pulley at the bottom of the water pump. Its a small leak, but leaking none the less. It has been running hotter than normal. It got up to 210-220 idling. I took off the radiator cap and let it run and the coolant just kina bubbled at the top. It never started flowing through the radiator. I assume the water pump is shot,would this be correct? Thanks for any help.

 

That leak is from the water pump weep hole and is an indicator that the pump needs replacing. As for bubbles in the radiator, that is often a symptom of a head gasket leak. Overheating is another. Best have it checked out to be sure.

 

When I say bubbled up I didnt see air bubbles, but the coolant didnt drop down in the radiator it stayed at the top and just sort of moved up and down a little. Still the water pump?

 

That's a different story, then. The water pump weep hole is there to tell you when the bearing is going out on the pump and it needs replacing. It will continue to function normally, just with an increasing leak. Left too long and the shaft could sieze in the bearing causing the engine to overheat, the belt to snap from the pulley not turning and you stuck somewhere needing a tow to get home. If it just started leaking then you've got some time to get it fixed, but I wouldn't let it go too long.

 

That makes sense. So when you say it will funtion normally for a short time, that means it should not run hotter than normal? Like I say, it has been up to 210-220 during normal driving.( I live in phoenix and it has been 105 the last few days) Just want to cover everything. thanks again for your help.

 

it won't run hot until it runs low on coolant.
as long as you keep it full, you can tolerate a modest leak for any length of time.

if your mileage is high, its a good time to do replace timing chain and front seal.

 

Its got 92,000 miles on it. Could it be that the thermostsat also needs replacing?

 

What T-stat do you have in the truck? Also for the water pump, I would say RockAuto is best for the price. I ordered one a few weeks ago brand new cheaper than the local parts store.

 

I think the t-stsat is a 195. It is definetly getting hotter than that. Especially when pulling up hills.

 

Check and make sure your clutch fan is pulling enough air in through the front of the radiator.