arveetek
01-13-2004, 19:06
I just got done fixing a coolant leak on my '81. I've had this constant, albeit slow, drip from the front of the engine for a couple of weeks. It got worse the last couple of days, and I finally found time to repair it.
When I first looked at it, I suspected a failing water pump. It was dripping from the bottom area of the water pump. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered it was just leaking from one of the bolts that goes through the water pump and front cover, into the water jacket, and into the block.
Turns out it was the bolt right behind the power steering pump slotted adjustment area. That means I had to remove the PS pump just to get to the bolt. The bolt was loose enough I didn't really need a wrench to remove it. I guess it just finally loosened up and backed out a bit from years of vibration.
I removed the bolt, applied some thread sealer and some silicone to the bolt head, and reinstalled it. Shouldn't be a problem anymore.
I'll keep a close watch on it the next few days and make sure it doesn't leak anymore, but I'm confident it is surely fixed.
The worst part about the whole deal was removing and reinstalling the PS pump. It's such a chore to do on the 6.2L, especially with the big A6 compressor above it. Still, it only took me about 2 hours to do.
I just thought I'd post this for anyone who may have a coolant leak. Just another area to double check before replacing a good water pump.
Casey
When I first looked at it, I suspected a failing water pump. It was dripping from the bottom area of the water pump. However, upon closer inspection, I discovered it was just leaking from one of the bolts that goes through the water pump and front cover, into the water jacket, and into the block.
Turns out it was the bolt right behind the power steering pump slotted adjustment area. That means I had to remove the PS pump just to get to the bolt. The bolt was loose enough I didn't really need a wrench to remove it. I guess it just finally loosened up and backed out a bit from years of vibration.
I removed the bolt, applied some thread sealer and some silicone to the bolt head, and reinstalled it. Shouldn't be a problem anymore.
I'll keep a close watch on it the next few days and make sure it doesn't leak anymore, but I'm confident it is surely fixed.
The worst part about the whole deal was removing and reinstalling the PS pump. It's such a chore to do on the 6.2L, especially with the big A6 compressor above it. Still, it only took me about 2 hours to do.
I just thought I'd post this for anyone who may have a coolant leak. Just another area to double check before replacing a good water pump.
Casey