Water Pump leaking
#1
Water Pump leaking
I just had my water pump replaced and thought I would share what I learned in my particular situation in my 2008 ISF
It may also help other identify a leaky pump in advance of the dealer and or purchasing a used F.
I had been losing coolant very slowly, and had been monitoring my reservoir level over a 3 month period. I knew that the cooling system is a closed system, and if my reservoir is low - it must be going somewhere. I had no signs of external leaks, on the ground or visible to me inside of the engine. My oil level was stable, so I was sure it was not leaking inside of the motor.
I took a small flash light and shone it on the serpentine tensioner, and found a massive leak and build up of pink coolant, that must have been happening over time. I did not take a picture before, just after the repair was done. The tensioner is below the water pump (pulley with exposed bolt heads)
You can actually see the area from both sides of the reservoir - it was easier to get my camera in from the passenger side
Here is a zoomed in shot - I have circled the area where pink coolant will be evident.
Lexus describes this in the there technical data, that if any coolant is leaking from the air or drain hole - replace the water pump. This is where mine was leaking from (lower drain hole).
(a) Visually check the air hole and drain hole for coolant leakage.
If leakage is found, replace the water pump.
(b) Turn the pulley and check that the water pump bearing moves smoothly and quietly.
If necessary, replace the water pump.
It may also help other identify a leaky pump in advance of the dealer and or purchasing a used F.
I had been losing coolant very slowly, and had been monitoring my reservoir level over a 3 month period. I knew that the cooling system is a closed system, and if my reservoir is low - it must be going somewhere. I had no signs of external leaks, on the ground or visible to me inside of the engine. My oil level was stable, so I was sure it was not leaking inside of the motor.
I took a small flash light and shone it on the serpentine tensioner, and found a massive leak and build up of pink coolant, that must have been happening over time. I did not take a picture before, just after the repair was done. The tensioner is below the water pump (pulley with exposed bolt heads)
You can actually see the area from both sides of the reservoir - it was easier to get my camera in from the passenger side
Here is a zoomed in shot - I have circled the area where pink coolant will be evident.
Lexus describes this in the there technical data, that if any coolant is leaking from the air or drain hole - replace the water pump. This is where mine was leaking from (lower drain hole).
(a) Visually check the air hole and drain hole for coolant leakage.
If leakage is found, replace the water pump.
(b) Turn the pulley and check that the water pump bearing moves smoothly and quietly.
If necessary, replace the water pump.
Last edited by digger08; 01-10-12 at 06:12 PM.
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Thanks, this is very useful. You are not the first instance I have ready about having a leaky water pump. I'm at 30k on my '08, time to keep an eye on things.
#7
Lexus Test Driver
After reading this thread I went and checked my water pump, and this is what I found out:
Attachment 210202
Guess I need a new water pump
Attachment 210202
Guess I need a new water pump
Hopefully this has been addressed in later model cars and the fix will be permanent.
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#11
Advanced
iTrader: (3)
I noticed that I needed to add (top off) coolant every 10k miles, although not much. Just snapped some photos of the area, just wondering anyone can tell me this is a symptom of the leak? Thanks
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75309799445330
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75320489819170
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75339427024834
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75309799445330
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75320489819170
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75339427024834
#15
I noticed that I needed to add (top off) coolant every 10k miles, although not much. Just snapped some photos of the area, just wondering anyone can tell me this is a symptom of the leak? Thanks
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75309799445330
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75320489819170
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75339427024834
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75309799445330
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75320489819170
https://picasaweb.google.com/itsmike...75339427024834