I have a D1z6 engine in a vehicle that I'll be taking out for a mild-medium shakedown this weekend. I just bought the car and would really like to take it out for 2-3 sessions this weekend in one of the slower HPDE groups to make sure that the handling and other aspects of the car are sound.

Everything I have read on the web says the water pump weeping through these tubes/holes is a sign that the pump is about to go.
The Helms service manual says a small amount of weeping is normal.
What do you guys think?

I am fine with short shifting the car 1000-600 rpms before the stock redline. I just want to get a feel for the car at speed to identify any problems. The track we are driving on is short (about 1:05-1:10 per lap for Honda) so it it poops out I could always just limp on it for 30-45 seconds and bring it in to the pits, just don't want to risk overheating the engine. Am I asking for trouble?

 

I have never had a water pump seep and if I did id replace it.
better to buy a pump only than a head gasket, resurfacing and hours of labor later.
Whats the mileage on the engine anyway? If its close to the 90K mark go ahead and do the pump and belt.

 

Mileage is unknown. I purchased the engine off a local honda buy/sell forum.

 

EDIT: Edited for end-of-workday-crackhead talking. Dunno WTF I was thinking, but Crazydave and Sander are correct. Especially with the recent CMP fatality and its relation to a coolant spill.

*Slaps self in face repeatedly*

 

I would not take any car on a track that was leaking anything.


Replace the water pump now.... and while you are at it, replace the timing belt too.

 

I think you'll be fine. When the pump weeps through the hole it usually means that coolant is getting past the bearing. So the wp bearing is getting a little loose. What I would be MORE concerned with is coolant getting on to your timing belt. It somehow has an effect on rubber that will accelerate the drying and age of the rubber belt. If the belt looks fine though, you'll be ok.... for the weekend. Short shifting is not going to be a whole lot easier on the pump. Also another concern at the track is coolant. Please run only water and maybe wetter (but not neccesary) if you can please. It sucks when a rungroup has to sit for an hour when somebody dumps slippery coolant on the track.

edit: if your leak is so bad that it is dripping on the ground, leave it at home until you can fix it. I agree w/dave above. But if you can see a little green crust on the weep hole I think your fine. But once it hits the ground....... not cool.

 

+1

 

Thank you all for the replies.
After filling the transmission last night I noticed that one of the axle seals is shot and now drips tranny fluid. That was enough for me to throw the towel in and just wait until next month.

 

This is correct. You will NOT be OK. Don't EVER take a car to the track that is leaking coolant. It is a danger to you, AND to other people.

Coolant leaking out of the weep hole is a coolant leak regardless. Replace it.

 

The good news is that axle seal and water pump are relatively easy fixes.
If you have any mechanical skills, you should be able to get it done in one day.