tensioner causes coolant leak

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Apr 15, 2009 | 09:12 PM

dietz_diggler

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tensioner causes coolant leak

I have a 99 WS6 Trans Am. Today when took tension off the belt, by moving the tensioner, I saw coolant leaking somewhere from behind the water pump pulley. It stops as soon as you let off the tensioner and pressure is back on the belt. I got under the car but can't see exactly where its coming from, I was looking for a weep hole or something. Am I going to be needing a water pump soon? I haven't had any over heating issues, the gauge keeps at a steady 210 and I found this by accident. Any ideas? I've been searching and can't find anything.
Dietz

Apr 15, 2009 | 09:29 PM

dlandsvZ28

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Best case scenario would be to find one of the water pump bolts loose.

If the waterpump has been replaced it could have had paper gaskets installed or the best kind that contain rubber gaskets similar in color to the gasket between the throttle body and the intake manifold. It is the rubber that makes the seal. I can see that if one or two bolts are loose that coolant would weep through the rubber seal.

Tighten all of the waterpump bolts. You will need a metric - I recall the wrench size is maybe a 10 mm.

Or you can also rent (for free) a pressure guage from Auto Zone or Advance Auto to see if there are any leaks.

If you do have a leak then it's possible to get air in the system too which elevates temps.

Apr 16, 2009 | 08:41 AM

jimmyblue

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Probably the seal has "worn in" at the normal shaft
side-load and bearing play, and has no compliance
left for another position not to weep. Probably says
water pump replacement is around the corner.

Apr 21, 2009 | 09:13 PM

dietz_diggler

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thanks for the reply's guys. The bolts were all tight, and when I took tension off I could wiggle the pulley/bell just a hair. Not enough to be obvious at first but a little none the less. I'm thinking Jimmyblue may be right.....

Apr 22, 2009 | 02:49 AM

spy2520

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmyblue

Probably the seal has "worn in" at the normal shaft
side-load and bearing play, and has no compliance
left for another position not to weep. Probably says
water pump replacement is around the corner.

i agree.