hi i recently bought a 93 del si with 215,000 miles. On the highway i noticed the the temp needle was all the way at the H. so i pulled over and the radiator was completely dry. i added coolant and drove home and the radiator was empty again. it seems i have a major leak from the bottom of the timing belt area. I'm assuming its the water pump? Could I have damaged anything for driving without coolant, it was around 5-6 minutes before I pulled over. thanks

 

If I was in your situation, I would check the compression in each cylinder. If the numbers are high and pretty much even across. Just go ahead and replace the water pump along with new coolant. I would also recommend you replace the timing belt while everything is apart. Now,If you numbers are low and not even across the cylinders. I would pull the head off...Send it to the machine shop to make sure the head is not warped or cracked. See how that goes then replace your head-gasket.

 

what numbers should I be looking for in a 215k miles motor? I'll do compression test by tomorrow and will report back. Thanks for the reply

 

Okay I did the compression test and all cylinders were 120-130 psi. I guess I didn't damage anything. As soon as I start the car, water and coolant starts leaking out under the timing belt area. I hope it's the water pump and nothing else.