SizzleChest

When the engine is shut down, coolant starts coming out about 2 drips per second. Right around where the lower rad hose connects to the engine, but it definitely is not the rad hose. It dribbles down the right side of the crankshaft damper. Looking for ideas, before I rip everything out. Thanks.

tnt76vette

Some Guys dont like to use it but what about a can of Bars Leak or something like that? Just tryin to help........... :D

ddecart

Been there! Water pump weep hole. Looks like it's dripping from the rad hose, but it isn't (no matter how many times you try to re-install/tighten that hose. It's just kind of dripping from that area but you can't see where it's originating from, right?

Looks like your water pump is going bad. Time for a new one. :yesnod:

SizzleChest

OK. I'll be on that first thing tomorrow morning. What exactly is a weep hole? The entire pump needs to be replaced?

ddecart

Here's what i found out when I had that problem:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=564359

wcsinx

It's just a little hole on the underside of the nose of the pump (I think that's where it is on these car's pumps). When the internal water pump seal goes, it lets water out of the innards of the pump so the bearings don't just instantly blow up. Yes, the entire pump needs to be replaced. Your pump has 1 foot in the grave right now.

327shp

wow,this must be the season for water pump's.my 68 started dripping water yesterday but that's ok because i wanted to upgrade to a hi flow crome pump anyway. i just installed a crome alt. from a co. in ohio called tuff stuff.i emailed them and they make the pump i want so that's cool
wave

SizzleChest

I don't know much about the whole numbers matching deal, but if this is the original pump, should I opt for a rebuild rather than buying new? The engine and tranny are numbers matching.

Aflac

shoot, while your'e at it, might look at changin hoses and belts while you got it out....and possibly a flush...i know it seems like i am stating the ovibous, but it never hurts to bring up the idea...

SizzleChest

$44 for a new water pump. Something doesn't sound right about that price. :skep:

SizzleChest

Anyone know the coolant capacity for a 78? Also trying to locate the the drain plug on the engine block. thanks.

wcsinx

That's about what they cost. :confused:

The owner's manual for my 76 says it's 21 quarts (jeez that sounds like a lot). Are you trying to find the plug to flush the cooling system? It's easier to just use the radiator petcock. Or just pull the lower hose loose.

killain

The water hose connects to a metal fitting which could be rusted enough to have pin holes in it, and what about the two water pump bolts on the right side of the pump? They could be loose or there might have been installed without sealant, thus they would over time develop a leak. Also you might have a pinhole further back on the hose and it's leaking and running down to where the connection is? Don't laugh, I bought a brand new heater hose for my vette two years ago and it had a pinhole a foot from the end at the heater core?

SizzleChest

I thought a water pump would be over $100 for sure. They told me $44 on the phone, but I got it for $35 with my discount card. I was planning to change all the coolant while I have the chance. By just draining the rad, won't there still be coolant in the block? I know that on my truck, there is a drain plug on the block as well.

wcsinx

Well the easiest way to flush your entire system is to drain your rad. completely, then fill it back up with pure water (don't put the rad cap back on), crank it up and let 'er idle until the thermostat opens, open the petcock until water is just dribbling out, then dribble fresh water into the rad until it runs clear at the drain (petcock). Just don't let the EPA catch you doing this. :lol: And the best way to tell if the water is clear is to fill a glass jar with it.

ddecart

Got mine for under $25 :thumbs:

JIM

With this talk about water pumps be SURE to check your fan clutch. It may be the cause of water pump failure. If the fan clutch does need to be replaced and you have a manual trans replace it with a unit from Chevrolet. I used a (hayden i think) fan clutch from the neighborhood parts store and 3 water pumps later put the chevrolet one on and no more water pump problems.