Alright well I came out from work today and noticed a nice little puddle (about a quarter size) under the front of my truck. Well needless to say the water pump is leaking. My question is do I need to replace the water pump since it is just leaking? I have heard I can either replace just the gasket but I have also heard when it leaks it usually means it about ready to crap out on me. Someone set me straight. What's the truth to the matter?

 

if its leaking from the weep hole, replace the pump, if its leaking where the pump meets the block, you may get away with replacing the gasket, which is just an o-ring or packing depending on who you talk too, but the pumps on these engines are the simplest thing ever, detention the belt, remove the two cap screws (13mm wrench) and its off, like i said, it has a packing, so there is no gasket to deal with, i say while you are there, change the pump, you will probably be pleasantly suprized on the price of the pumps, a lot cheaper than you might think from napa, or any other parts store

 

Ok I was thinking the same way just to replace it and know it's new. Any particular brand I should stay away from or go for?

 

not really, they are a pretty simple setup

 

Just change the pump, takes 10 minutes.

The pump and gasket will run ya less than $40.

 

Well I didn't have time to change out the pump before my elk hunt that I just returned from so I packed some extra antifreeze for the ride. The dang thing didn't leak the whole way up (120 miles trip) and still isn't leaking on the way back. Should I still switch her out or has anyone heard of it just fixing itself basically.