coolant leak?

Question

Hi Last fall I noticed my heat would come and go in my 99 grand voyager expresso 3.3L. I dont drive it much and it happened just a few times. About 5 weeks ago I noticed the temp gauge rising fast and cold air blowing. DH filled with antifreeze and was running fine till 2 days ago...again Temp gauge rising fast but I didnt let it get to overheating. We noticed a leak only when the vehicle is running on the passenger side of vehicle. Not a steady leak but more of a drip. Only happens when car is running? Waiting for my mechanic to get back to me but getting impatient lol. Could it be just a hose or most likely the pump. A messsed with all pullys and they all seem to be nice and tight and not ratteling at all. (not sure which pully was the right one so tugged on them all). BTW Oil looks fine so I am pretty sure its not a cracked head. Is it difficult for one to change this water pump or should I just let a garage do it? I have a friend that is a former mech. but if big job will take in .

2008-05-01T06:55:02Z

Thanks to all who answer!

2008-05-01T07:37:22Z

My mechanic just called...pretty sure its just the pump and quoted me $100 for parts and labor..said its an easy fix and my engine does not require timeing belt change. Thanks again for such quick responses.

aaroj1 · Accepted Answer

Sounds like the water pump to me , it is in that location. It is fairly easy to change , best way is to remove right front wheel and plastic splash gaurd. Use a jackstand. Loosen bolts to water pump pulley, remove serpentine belt, remove pulley and there it is. Five bolts on pump.BAM!! >Buy a new pump its worth the few extra bucks. make sure mounting surface is clean.

Big Guy 360 · Answer

It could be a hose, or a number of other things.  It shouldn't be hard to find.  I believe the water pump is on the passenger side of the vehicle on that year.  Changing a water pump is not hard, but may not be the problem.  You may want to take it to him and let him look at it.  He my determine it's just a hose and a quick fix.  He's a former Mech, so it should be very easy for him to diagnose the problem.

bobweb · Answer

Guessing that it needs a new water pump, you really need to change the timing belt at the same time especially if you have an "interference type engine" that suffers major damage if the timing belt breaks $$$$. Typically the belt, tensioner, idler pulley and timing belt driven water pump are all replaced for a total cost of about $850

Anonymous · Answer

how a bout a leaking heater core check water pump hole if leajing from there if it is then the water pump but if water pump has no coolant coming out of there then the pupmp is ok  also how about a stuck thermostat guys? either closed or open on high temp cold air

Mama Kate · Answer

It could be a waterpump but it could also be a heater core which is very common in alot of American cars. It may also need head gaskets which can cause you to loose heat and for the  car to overheat.

coolant leak?

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