Nicksmithbmx

Hey fellas, I noticed a few days ago a slight smell of warm coolant when I got out of my car. While changing the oil the other day I noticed a couple small drips towards the left rear of the engine.

Figuring the water pump gasket has started to seep a bit. Now my dilemma is this. I'm moving from southern california to Denver Colorado next week and I don't really have the time to get this taken care of before I make the drive. I drove both ways just a weeks ago without issue.

When I bought the car 9 months ago with 205K on it (17k miles ago), they had receipts for the timing belt from like 180K. It was very well maintained previously and only had one owner. I don't mind the work the problem is like I said, I don't have the time to order parts and do the work. I also don't have the extra cash to pay a shop to do it. Should a few dribbles be cause for immediate concern? Or could this wait a few?

Couple pictures 99, 223K miles.

stangrcr1

It would suck to be on the road in the middle of nowhere and the gasket blow out. Leaks do not get better by themselves. They get worse.

I would make the time, especially before a long trip.

ARMED

YUP

tony_2018

It needs to be remediated.

slowcivic2k

Do not add any additives to the system. Most timing belt driven water pump failures I see are caused by a change in belt tension on the pump gear. This is the biggest reason why most technicians recommend the water pump with the belt service. The slightest change in belt tension can cause the shaft seal to leak.

There is a small weep hole located on top and bottom of the water pump itself, and they can be seen outside the timing cover. Ensure that is your leak point first. If it is only the gasket I would be less worried about it myself. I would buy additional coolant and add it as required. Gauge the size of your loss and stop frequently enough to refill it.

Nicksmithbmx

Just wanted to update, I know it's been a bit. I went ahead and bit the bullet and paid a shop to do it. Wasn't super cheap but the gasket had started to leak and was seeping from that weap hole. The shaft had some play on it but the belt looked OK which was good. I had them do a flush, new pulley, water pump and timing belt. Better safe than sorry.

Ironically on the drive out one of my BMW's blew a coolant hose and gave me some issues...however the CRV sat and idled in the desert heat for over an hour with the A/C cranking without issue.