So I was driving to work today, and noticed that within 2 miles, my engine temp was redlining. I quickly pulled over and dumped some coolant in it, and it went back down.

At lunch I noticed that there was a big puddle of coolant on the ground, so I put it up on the jack and it seems to be leaking out of the water pump.

I just purchased the vehicle, and other than this it seems to be in great condition.

I'm just wondering if it's normal for a gallon of coolant to leak out of the water pump in less than 12 hours?

Either way it's scheduled for a water pump/timing belt change tomorrow.

But I want to know if any of you have experienced the same problem.

P.S. the engine has about 220k miles on it.

 

If I were you I would have that car checked out. Your probably need a timing belt service, The timing belt drives the water pump and since your water pump is done you should just do the whole thing.

Also its not normal for a car to use coolant. You need to have it looked at.

 

You are doing the right thing by replacing the timing belt and water pump. Just curious, was you radiator cooling fan running, trying to cool down the coolant/engine? I wonder if you might have other issues with the cooling system on your car.
CD

 

You may as well replace your thermostat and check all hoses. At that mileage it would be cheap insurance. Check fan operation and flush coolant out.

 

I am having the timing belt replaced at the same time, and I flushed the coolant today.

Their are two fans on the front of the radiator, and only one of them (larger one) operates at high temp's. Although, the second one may be for the AC?

 

yes the smaller one is for a/c.. however they will both turn on if its too hot.

if you want to test them turn on the a/c and see if they both come on.

 

Okay...

So hear is my question.

Tomorrow I have to drive approx. 6 miles to the mechanic.

I plan on filling the radiator with coolant before I leave.

Will I be okay?

How long is it okay to run on redline once it hits? 5 Minutes?

 

something you may want to look out for. my 95 was leaking from the water pump, same situation as you with the overheating. so i spent the 70 bucks on parts and spent the weekend changing it. next day i start my car up to let it warm up, come outside and look under the car to see a small puddle forming. fed up, i took it to the dealer, only to find out that there was a crack in the block behind my water pump. i didn't notice it because i was working in a dimly lit garage, but have the mechanic check while he has it apart, it will save you a headache, although i did learn how to replace a motor out of the deal

 

Thanks for the heads up, I'll definently have him check that first.

I'm praying that it's not cracked, since I don't have the money to replace that!