Alright, I got a buddy who has a massive coolant leak coming from his 4 door stratus mid 90's?? (all this happened tonight, so forgive me if I don't have the engine size and year yet, as I'm a thunderbird driver!). Anyways, It appears that it is coming from between what i can only assume is the timing chain cover and the water pump itself. Because when I pour coolant into the overflow it starts to leak from the bottom front of the water pump. However, the leak seems to slow down when the car is running and the system is under pressure. Has anyone had this problem before and have some advice? Or, is there something else about the cooling system on these cars that I'm missing? it was about 10:30 at night when I was looking at the thing, so it was kinda hard to get a good look (because of the light, and the fact that the water pump is in awkward position.

Thanks guys! [8D]

 

I'm not knowledged on the earlier cars at all, but because cooling systems can vary dramatically from motor to motor, and often year to year, knowing more of what you have will help others.
However,
From what I gather from your description, you have already determined the pump is leaking.
At that point it is coming off for a replacement anyhow (no, adding coolant sealer is NOT an option for any respectable car owner), and any other flaws or curiosities will be answered while looking at the old part in your hands.
There is no sense in pulling an old pump only to replace a gasket. For the price of a re-manufactured unit, you should simply replace it along with the gaskets...
problem solved.

2 cents
Vince

 

well, the guy is working on a budget. i'm actually taking care of this for a ex-girlfriends new boyfriend. but i don't mind because the dude is really cool and nice (and about 6 months ago they did me a amazing favor i don't have the time to go into). so the water pump isn't going to get replaced, if itll be costly. but i did just do a search on autzone (and just guestimated it at a 97 4cylinder), and a remanufactured one after core return is like 6 bucks or something. so if i can get one that cheap, then we'll go ahead and do it. but, its not my money, not my ride. although i do agree with you on replacing the water pump in this situation. i am going to fix the leak, replace the thermostat, and flush the system.

as far as the cooling systems being different, i can understand that. i suppose im use to the simple ford V small block were everything (save your sensors and heater core hoses) are pretty straight forward and always in the same spot. tommorow i'll get the year and engine info and post it up.

and i would never try to add that "stop leak" stuff. i may only have 2 posts here but like i said i'm a thunderbird driver. i post on TCCoA (Thunderbird and Cougar Club of America) on a daily basis helping people, and t-birds are the queen of all maintance and repairs! its so sad because all of my money goes to repairs instead of performance mods....

 

alright, so i lied. its not a stratus at all. its actually an intrepid, and its a 1995 V6

 

ok, replaced the water pump, and i screwed up the timing on the belt. would somebody explain how to time the motor (and if there is a way to do it without pulling the crank pulley!)? Please somebody respond as i need to do this tommorow.

 

Yikes... well I guess it is a 3.3 or a 3.5. I'm no help from your current needs, sorry.
Lets hope others kick in and offer assistance.

Best of luck,
Vince

 

thanks for checking back in, yeah its a 3.5 liter. and i have no knowledge of timing belts. i can do a ford timing chain, but as far as getting it lined up to me is all greek.