Possible water pump going bad?
Read this PDF from Lexus on water pump inspection and diagnosis tips. Page 3 note "The seals and mating rings are lubricated by the surrounding coolant ; a small amount of coolant leakage is normal" I have a 2008 IS250 with 60500 miles on it when I took it in for the wiper nut recall I told my SA I noticed this small amount of pinkish crust around the weep hole on the water pump and a little bit of splatter of the same stuff on the passenger side of the motor they checked it out and told me it was fine and that it was normal. Said too keep an eye on it if I notice more leakage to bring it in before the 70,000 mile powertrain warranty expires.
Last edited by Meguerra; Dec 11, 2013 at 08:19 PM.
Read this PDF from Lexus on water pump inspection and diagnosis tips. Page 3 note "The seals and mating rings are lubricated by the surrounding coolant ; a small amount of coolant leakage is normal" I have a 2008 IS250 with 60500 miles on it when I took it in for the wiper nut recall I told my SA I noticed this small amount of pinkish crust around the weep hole on the water pump and a little bit of splatter of the same stuff on the passenger side of the motor they checked it out and told me it was fine and that it was normal. Said too keep an eye on it if I notice more leakage to bring it in before the 70,000 mile powertrain warranty expires.
sweet pdf! I've been consistently checking my engine bay for any leaks. I'm concerned since i'll be hitting 70K in a few months. I do notice white / light pink crust around my coolant tank, and then some white stains around the fans behind the radiator. I'm presuming this is normal but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Should I take this to the dealer? Will they do the water pump inspection for free since it would be covered under warranty?
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: AL
Read this PDF from Lexus on water pump inspection and diagnosis tips. Page 3 note "The seals and mating rings are lubricated by the surrounding coolant ; a small amount of coolant leakage is normal" I have a 2008 IS250 with 60500 miles on it when I took it in for the wiper nut recall I told my SA I noticed this small amount of pinkish crust around the weep hole on the water pump and a little bit of splatter of the same stuff on the passenger side of the motor they checked it out and told me it was fine and that it was normal. Said too keep an eye on it if I notice more leakage to bring it in before the 70,000 mile powertrain warranty expires.
I have yet to see the leak myself. I think I'm going to find the damn thing and try this paper towel test myself.
I honestly don't know what to think or to do. Everything seems to conflict some piece of information I got.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
From: AL
I plan on keeping investigating this myself and using the PDF that was linked above to try and diagnose this. If it seems that it is "bad" and if i decide to do this myself. Is it worth getting an OEM part? Or would something like this be acceptable?
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...3144_754793_0_
suggestions on where to get one?
Looks like a lot more than "4 bolts" but from what I see it doesn't look that bad. But I still think the hardest part will be getting to it.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...3144_754793_0_
suggestions on where to get one?
Looks like a lot more than "4 bolts" but from what I see it doesn't look that bad. But I still think the hardest part will be getting to it.
sweet pdf! I've been consistently checking my engine bay for any leaks. I'm concerned since i'll be hitting 70K in a few months. I do notice white / light pink crust around my coolant tank, and then some white stains around the fans behind the radiator. I'm presuming this is normal but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Should I take this to the dealer? Will they do the water pump inspection for free since it would be covered under warranty?
for sure. I was not charged the diagnosis fee maybe I lucked out or maybe because I was showing some interest in a upgrade program they got going on right now and I test drove the new 2014 IS250 while I was there waiting for my service to be done which took 2 hrs.They washed my car and filed up the tank (I was on empty) same thing two months back when I did the trunk latch recall. Awesome
As far as water pump going bad I will just keep an eye on it and see if notice anymore leakage or any of the other symptoms that have been talked about on here. Bottom line is it is normal to see a small amount of leakage. If the leakage is more frequent and keeps getting worse than I would take it in to get the water pump replaced. OEM parts all the way.
Yes they will charge a diagnosis fee if you bring it in for just that reason alone ($134 at Lexus Escondido)
for sure. I was not charged the diagnosis fee maybe I lucked out or maybe because I was showing some interest in a upgrade program they got going on right now and I test drove the new 2014 IS250 while I was there waiting for my service to be done which took 2 hrs.They washed my car and filed up the tank (I was on empty) same thing two months back when I did the trunk latch recall. Awesome
As far as water pump going bad I will just keep an eye on it and see if notice anymore leakage or any of the other symptoms that have been talked about on here. Bottom line is it is normal to see a small amount of leakage. If the leakage is more frequent and keeps getting worse than I would take it in to get the water pump replaced. OEM parts all the way.
for sure. I was not charged the diagnosis fee maybe I lucked out or maybe because I was showing some interest in a upgrade program they got going on right now and I test drove the new 2014 IS250 while I was there waiting for my service to be done which took 2 hrs.They washed my car and filed up the tank (I was on empty) same thing two months back when I did the trunk latch recall. Awesome
As far as water pump going bad I will just keep an eye on it and see if notice anymore leakage or any of the other symptoms that have been talked about on here. Bottom line is it is normal to see a small amount of leakage. If the leakage is more frequent and keeps getting worse than I would take it in to get the water pump replaced. OEM parts all the way.
I don't THINK there is because i see the usual white stains and coolant reservoir leaking but nothing really from the water pump area. I don't see any pink stains or crusting so I'm presuming it's good; however i want it documented. Lastly, the post with the PDF about the towel test seems interesting, but i can't seem to find WHERE to put the towel?
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
I know that the OEM water pump is pricey, mainly the labor...but what's $500-800 to SAVE the motor from overheating on a HWY with no service around and possible $1000s in new headgaskets or WORSE? Seeing these water pumps are nearly a certainty to fail (leak, bearing noise, or worse), I'd like that peace of mind personally.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,118
Likes: 123
From: Southeastern PA
Read this PDF from Lexus on water pump inspection and diagnosis tips. Page 3 note "The seals and mating rings are lubricated by the surrounding coolant ; a small amount of coolant leakage is normal" I have a 2008 IS250 with 60500 miles on it when I took it in for the wiper nut recall I told my SA I noticed this small amount of pinkish crust around the weep hole on the water pump and a little bit of splatter of the same stuff on the passenger side of the motor they checked it out and told me it was fine and that it was normal. Said too keep an eye on it if I notice more leakage to bring it in before the 70,000 mile powertrain warranty expires.
Dealer replaced mine @ 48,000 miles under the powertrain warranty when doing the carbon build up CSP.
Last edited by tex2670; Dec 13, 2013 at 10:12 AM.
Replacing the water pump is actually easier than you think. I recently replaced it on my sisters 2008 IS250 and I got the job done in 2 hours. Also dont purchase the pump from toyota/lexus, instead purchase it of ebay (I bought it for $110.00 shipped) and look for an Aisin pump. They are the OEM manufatureres and once you receive the pump you'll notice its actually a toyota part with the toyota and part number etched off.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,118
Likes: 123
From: Southeastern PA
Bring it in for an oil change, and tell them you are worried about the water pump. I've never been charged a diagnostic fee when I asked them to look at something while the car was in for service. Always shows up on the bill "Customer complains of _____. Could not replicate condition. N/C"
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 705
Likes: 3
From: CA
Replacing the water pump is actually easier than you think. I recently replaced it on my sisters 2008 IS250 and I got the job done in 2 hours. Also dont purchase the pump from toyota/lexus, instead purchase it of ebay (I bought it for $110.00 shipped) and look for an Aisin pump. They are the OEM manufatureres and once you receive the pump you'll notice its actually a toyota part with the toyota and part number etched off.