Two weeks ago, I got a Low Coolant message on the center display. Sure enough, it was. I could not see any leaks, but since I’m pushing over 100K miles on the second water pump, I figured that was the source of the leak.
I was able to prove it few days ago. I could see radial coolant flow lines from the pulley bolts. I never did see any puddles under the car.
So yesterday, I started to replace it. First I went to my local O’Reilly’s and picked up my free new water pump. Opening the hood, the plastic hood safety release handle popped off of the flat metal lever. I drilled two holes in the plastic and bolted the handle onto the release lever. <Sigh> another sign the car is getting along in years. The plastic is getting brittle.
Instead of draining the radiator, I lifted the car up enough to put a large bucket under the front of the motor. I then pulled the pump. Less than a quart and a half of coolant came out. By the way, the coolant was only a few months old as I replaced it all when I installed a new thermostat. The coolant add bottle and the radiator did not drain. It sure made it easy to refill. I put the same amount of coolant in as I tool out. No burping needed.
I was able to prove it few days ago. I could see radial coolant flow lines from the pulley bolts. I never did see any puddles under the car.
So yesterday, I started to replace it. First I went to my local O’Reilly’s and picked up my free new water pump. Opening the hood, the plastic hood safety release handle popped off of the flat metal lever. I drilled two holes in the plastic and bolted the handle onto the release lever. <Sigh> another sign the car is getting along in years. The plastic is getting brittle.
Instead of draining the radiator, I lifted the car up enough to put a large bucket under the front of the motor. I then pulled the pump. Less than a quart and a half of coolant came out. By the way, the coolant was only a few months old as I replaced it all when I installed a new thermostat. The coolant add bottle and the radiator did not drain. It sure made it easy to refill. I put the same amount of coolant in as I tool out. No burping needed.
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