Could be the timing cover gasket. But you simply have to check everything. The water pump first as stated. Remove the belt, If the WP pulley wobbles, then it's most likely leaking out the weep hole on the bottom of the pump behind the pulley.

 

remember to tap up on the waterpump not down.

 

Sounds good. Picking up the new water pulley tomorrow morning. Going to install it tomorrow as well. As I understand it, all I have to do is remove the fan, fan shroud, then just unbolt the water pump and clean out the old gasket. Right? Question; how would I check to see if it is the timing chain?

 

Use a putty knife to break the WP free from the timing cover, do not hit it with anything, or you will run the risk of damaging the timing cover gasket. Which btw, needs to be removed anyway if you want to check or replace the chain.

 

Okay. Sounds good! Wish me luck guys.

 

like JSMoto said about the weep hole. When the water pump goes bad it is usually the bearings and you will get a steady stream from the weep hole. not initially. But you said you heard a squeal before. Did it throw the belt also on the water pump? When you get a squeal it is 99.9% of the time some component doesnt wanna turn like a water pump or power steering pump and causes the belt to squeal.

 

It totally is the water pump because I could feel like 1/2 inch of play in it! Finishing the install today, ill let you guys know what happens. BTW, total pain in the neck to remove the fan!

 

ONE of the several advantages of the e-fan.......more room to work and less shat to remove to get to water pump....

 

Just wanted to say thanks so much for helping me out with this, guys! I got the new pump installed with few issues. Thanks for helping.