posted this at hondahookup as well, but I need max advice here!

Hi, I have a coolant leakage problem in a 1990 Civic 4dr sedan 1.5L

Some time in the last year the radiator was filled up with water instead of coolant, it froze solid the other day...not good. I thawed the vehicle, it's inside the garage now. There is a strong leak coming from the engine right around the water pump on the back right side(while running, not at all when off). can't see exactly where since I haven't had my face under there while it's running but it's wet around and below the timing belt cover. I'm wondering what my options are and since I payed 1200CAD for this thing should I bother fixing now or just buy some cheapo thing and do it at my leisure. If it's the water pump seal then I can buy a new pump complete for 50 bucks but the labour might be crazy...suggestions please? could the engine block be cracked? any frost plugs in that area? thanks

 

When you say back right do you mean the back of the block or are you referring to the side of the block the waterpump bolts too?
Very possible blocked is cracked. Try getting a better look. If you can't get a good look underneath try using a mirror from the top.

Also if it turns out to be just a waterpump or seal replacement is very easy on that model. Just get a service manual and follow the steps. It may seem imitating but once you do one you'll see.

 

havent got a telescoping mirror, but i ran the vehicle then shut off and quickly got underneath to see water dripping from underneath and around where the timing belt cover(white plastic) is bolted on over the pump. I was hoping it was a damaged water pump since the vehicle was started by my gf while frozen. The steps don't seem too complex now that I've looked into it, but I'll need to make a tool for that pulley bolt. I'll probably do it myself for fun unless I can get a great deal on labor. I payed 1200CAD so if it comes to more than 1/3 of that I'll buy another for the same or less price then fix em up.

 

Your water pump is out. It's made to leak out of its "Seep holes" so you know when its done.

 

You may have luck trying other methods to keep the motor from rotating while trying to remove the bolt other than using a special tool. Taking the black plate off the bottom side of the transmission and locking the flywheel is fairly common.

 

It could be a bad pump. like previously stated if the water pump goes bad it will leak from the weep hole. If it was damaged by starting while the cooling system is frozen it will probably also leak from the weep hole.

However on that side of the block there is coolant passages right on the outside it also may be cracked.

Only way to tell is to remove that side cover and checke it out.

 

Got any pics?