Hi everyone.

My truck started leaking coolant a few days ago. In that few days (about 5), I noticed a small puddle I thought was A/C condensate at first started growing in size and became on obvious orange color. Now, it leaves a much larger puddle and leaks even w/out being pressurized.

Looking under the truck, it appears to leak from the front bottom of the engine. The water pump is nearby, I'm assuming it's coming from there, but can't tell with certainty because it's actually all over the front of the engine.

At a minimum, I'm thinking water pump gasket. Should I go ahead and do the whole water pump though? Anything else while I'm in there? Anything in particular I should watch out for?

Truck is about 50mi shy of 100k. I've only had it for the last 7k though.

BTW, right before leak started, I towed a boat (about 12-1300 lbs) to the lake. Weather was warm (75 ish), and there was a couple mountain passes. Previous owner only towed a small utility trailer on occasion prior to me.

I probably stuffed this with too much detail, hopefully it's helpful at least.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

If it is the water pump and/or the gasket, you should definitely replace the whole thing.

 

It's most likely the water pump itself and not the gasket. The water pump is designed to leak as the seals start to fail, and has a weep hole on top of the pump for this purpose.
Definitely replace the pump, and I rec doing a coolant change also, along with a new thermostat.
Be sure to keep up with water pump bolt location during the change. They are all the same size thread but different lengths. Also use a torque wrench because it's easy to strip the block threads.

 

Thanks for the info.

When looking at water pumps, it looks like I can get a Mopar pump for about $250. All others are under $100. Most likely to buy from Napa Auto. Would one of these cheaper ones be a good idea? If so, should I go with a metal or plastic impeller? I can imagine pros/cons with each.

Thanks again

 

Go with an aftermarket pump, and I try and stick with the metal impeller.

 

RockAuto has a Gates with metal. Around $40. WaterPump
Or AC Delco around $45 with metal.
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Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. Going to pick up parts today and do the work this weekend.

Thanks again.

 

May want to replace serpentine belt also if you don't know the history on it.

 

Don't go replacing parts till you're sure of the leak source. Get under that thing with a strong light or UV light (I found that coolant glows under UV without any additive).

If you end up needing a pump..... I got this GMB for my 4.7. GMB is a good bearing maker, which is the thing that usually fails.


https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...t-removal.html

 

Thanks for the great info.

I replaced the water pump and thermostat.

The leak is gone.

Thank you everyone. The UV light idea was particularly useful.

One followup question: I found torque specs for the water pump as 25 and 43 ft lbs. I went with 25. Do I need to go back and tighten these further?