INSPECT FOR COOLANT LEAK
Tech Tips
Before performing this inspection, check that there is no coolant leaking from any parts other than the water pump. If there are leaks, inspect those areas.
Perform this inspection when the engine is cold.
Visually inspect the engine compartment for the following conditions.
There is a large amount of coolant in the engine compartment or on the underside of the hood near the fan and generator V belt.
Liquid coolant is dripping from around the water pump.
The coolant level in the reservoir is below the L line and there are traces of leakage around the water pump.
Tech Tips
If any of the above conditions exist, replace the water pump assembly.
If none of the above conditions exist, perform the following inspection (inspection of the area around the water pump).
Inspect the area around the water pump.
Tech Tips
Check for deposits around the drain plug of the water pump.
Rotate the crankshaft pulley and align the water pump pulley hole with the drain plug.
Tech Tips
The drain plug is at the bottom of the water pump.
Use a mirror to check that the pulley hole and drain plug are aligned.
Wrap a paper towel around an L-shaped tool such as a hexagon wrench, and insert it into the water pump pulley hole.
Tech Tips
Use a 3 mm (0.118 in.) hexagon wrench.
The diameter of the water pump pulley hole is 6 mm (0.236 in.).
The distance from the water pump pulley hole to the drain plug is 16 mm (0.630 in.).
Move the hexagon wrench as shown in the illustration, and press the thin paper towel against the coolant (solid matter) adhering to the drain plug or the edge of the drain plug, and check the condition of the thin paper towel.
Tech Tips
If the thin paper towel is wet, replace the water pump assembly.
If the thin paper towel is dry, clean the area around the water pump.
INSPECT WATER PUMP ASSEMBLY
Remove the fan and generator V belt Click here.
Turn the pulley and check that the water pump bearing moves smoothly and quietly.
If necessary, replace the water pump assembly.
Install the fan and generator V belt Click here.