My B18B is leaking coolant. I don't know exactly where it's coming from. I can't get the car into the shop for a week so please take a look at this pic and tell me where you think it's coming from. It looks like it's coming from the back of the engine and running toward the front and dripping off. I got it stuck in the snow a while back. Could I have bent something that's causing it too leak? Maybe the water pump is leaking. I have marked in red everywhere I think I saw coolant.


[Modified by sfr4dr, 3:37 AM 1/21/2003]

 

Mine leaked in the same exact places. My water pump went bad at about 110K. I had the timing belt done at 90K but didn't have the water pump replaced. Stupid move. I just got finished pulling the motor and replacing the water pump, timing belt, and clutch install. The water pump is cheap but getting to it is tough. Good luck.

 

Water pump almost certainly.

 

 

It also seems to leak more if the car has been sitting for a few days. Maybe when the engine is hot or warm the leak is sealed from heat expansion.

 

yep, gotta be it, mine went out earlier this year on me in traffic. best advice, replace it ASAP. except mine wasn't leaking, just making a loud metal grinding sound from the bearings in the pump going bad.

 

Should I not drive it until I get it fixed?

 

i dont think you should, you just might make things worse.

 

Yea, if the temp. jumps up, then you are screwed.

 

I'm not going to drive it until it gets fixed. I guess I'll have the timing belt replaced also since I have about 63k miles. I might get the 60k tuneup also. I think I'm going to leave this one to the mechanics. I could do it but if there are any problems I'd rather be able to take it back and have someone else fix it. Also everyone else is saying this is a big job and I'm uneasy screwing with the engine myself.

 

Yup, i experienced the exact same leakage about 2 months ago.

 

How much do you think I'm looking at for the water pump and service? How much is a timing belt replacement?

 

Water pump is included in the timing belt replacement at a dealership. Probably be around 4-500 bux. Get a Helms and do it yourself

 

Water pump IS a possibility, but, with only 67k, I would venture to say waterneck/pump o-ring has dried and cracked or cold weather may have cracked it. It's an easy fix if that's your problem. -Greg

 

Well like they said, the location of the leaking would suggest possibly the waterpump or surrounding hardware, but either way, you are right not to drive it around... Last thing u wanna do is overheat the damn thing. And a oem honda waterpump going at only 67k is kinda early i think although not impossible.

But if they have to remove the timing belt, waterpump and such in order to go about the diagnostics/repairs then i would suggest just doing the timing belt/waterpump/alternator change while u have all that krap apart. but thats just me... but i'm not sure how big a factor money is for u right now.

 

Yeah, I think you guys are right. I looked at it again tonight and the coolant starts leaking near the lower alternator bracket. That's right next to the water pump. Since I'm not 100% sure that's it I don't want to do it myself. I don't want to rip it apart if there is any uncertainty. The dealer here should cost $490 for the waterpump and timing belt. It's expensive but if I did it myself and something goes wrong I'm screwed. It's the price to pay to have someone else take the risk.

 

Alternator?!? Damn, i should get this 110k mile old one out from under my hood


[Modified by nfn15037, 10:23 PM 1/23/2003]