Coolant Leaking

[VT Owner]

Wife got home last night with the radiator almost empty and steam coming out from what appears to be behind the bottom flywheel. Got up this morning and refilled the radiator. I did a quick check to make sure that the thermostat housing, heater tap and pipes weren't the problem and they seem fine and dry. After about 3 mins, I noticed that the water I just refilled the radiator with started pouring out from somewhere behind (I think) the bottom flywheel. I checked the dipstick and rocker cover and neither have signs of milky oil so I'm assuming that the engine block isn't cracked (I hope at least).

Not sure what the problem is so I'm open to suggestions. Also an indication of the price it'll take to fix it.

BTW, her car is a 6 cyl VT Calais if that's any help.

 

[paulsautoelec]

possibly heater tap not expensive and a common problem

 

[VT Owner]

Nah, as I said - I checked that first (I replaced it in February). I cleaned up the engine and the water is coming from somewhere behind the bottom flywheel (or just above it).

 

[accentstencil]

By flywheel do you mean the harmonic balancer ( the big pulley at the bottom of the front of the engine)? If so, are you sure it's not leaking at the waterpump and running down behind the balancer.

 

[VT Owner]

Yeah that's the one. I'm reasonably sure although I can't be 100% positive. The water pump looks to be dry and the water appears to be coming from the mid-lower right of the block.

 

[VTvoodoo]

ive got the same problem, mine started leaking bad, but appeared to be leaking either side just behind the water pump area(could only see it running lower left and right of front block) , so took water pump off and gasket was pretty stuffed , so double check your water pump, fill up the rad, then put your fingers in behind pump and see if u feel moisture

 

[VT Owner]

I guess it wouldn't do any harm to replace the water pump gasket anyway and I might just luck in. Thanks for the heads-up.

 

[banga]

do the pump as well as the gasket . coz itl lsave doing it again later on

 

[VTvoodoo]

yeah i agree, a new water pump and gasket should set you back to much

 

[VT Owner]

It appears it may be the water pump and gasket. Had a feel around and water is coming from the bottom of the water pump so I'm assuming its the gasket. Any tricks to removing and replacing the water pump and gasket? Is it a difficult job - anything to watch out for?

I've got a copy of the VT Series II Repair Manual and page 27 (Removing the water pump) has me removing more than I really want to. I'm assuming I don't need to remove that much?

TIA