hey guys,

need a little help if possible, i have a 2003 ram QC, 4x4, 4.7L, manual tranny...

today i noticed a big puddle of coolant leaking after i turned my truck off when i got home from work...not sure where it is coming from, possibly the water pump, but i can't confirm...the truck was not running hot when i drove it home after work, but in the past, several weeks, i could smell some "maple syrup" which i thought it was a small leak from somewhere but could never pin point it....forgot to add that it has almost 81,000 miles on it...

here are some pics, any help is appreciated...

 

Need to see if its leaking higher up than that.

You could wash the engine down. Dry it with compressed air or let it get hot running it. Shut it off and the pressure should build making the leak easier to see/leak fromits origin. May need to use a black light.Just about all coolants have a UV dye in them to help find leaks.

 

check the weep hole on teh water pump. that is a typical leak spot of water pumps. Also, after driving the truck, pop the hood and look at teh engine. pay attention to hoses, radiator, and water pump to look for leaks which would show typically when the engine is warmer since the coolant is under higher pressure at higher temps. If you can't find anything spend the couple of bucks to rent or buy the radiator pressure tester....it will allow you to pressurize the system and look for leaks.

 

Wiggle the pulley on the water pump. If it goes up/down side/side in/out its shot. Word of warning to you....don't get a replacement at O'reilys. I had one that lasted 2 wks and one that lasted 1 day and 15 miles. (I'll be ranting about it later trust me) I get my money back on that and went to the dealer. 3 wks later no problems.

 

thanks guys for the replies....ended up taking it to the dealer, it was the water pump, i guess all them beach trips are finally starting to show the wear and tear, but the troca blanca is still holding strong!

thanks again!