Coolant Leaking
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.
possibly heater tap not expensive and a common problem
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).
Donating Member
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.
MY RIDE
I thought I was wrong once but I was mistaken.
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.
Last edited by VT Owner; 16-12-2009 at 02:31 PM.
99 VT S2
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
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.
do the pump as well as the gasket . coz itl lsave doing it again later on
99 VT S2
yeah i agree, a new water pump and gasket should set you back to much
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
OK, removed the pump without too much trouble. Gasket definitely needs replacing. Anyone got tips on how to remove old stuck gasket easily? Water pump looks OK - not much can go wrong with it, it's just an impeller driven by the belt.
change the pump they will eventually leak and not only from the gasket , not to mention the blades of the impeller will corrode and fall apart , spend an extra $80.00 approxand do the job properly , and while the belt is off check it for cracks , hope you drew a mud map as well
99 VT S2
still waiting for pump off ebay , and havent started scrapping the old gasket off yet, so id like to know as well, any tips for removing old gaskets?Originally Posted by VT Owner
EDIT Duh! ...ive actually got half a can of gasket removal spray that i pick up from supercheap awhile back, so thats one option
Cool, will look at getting some as well. Peeled off much of the gasket by hand but some stuff is stuck on like superglue. Going to get a new pump just in case (was told it was about $150 at Holden but that was some time ago).
Looking at the pics on eBay, my pump doesn't look OK - there is nothing behind the fins which probably explains why it kept overheating (not moving any water).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../WaterPump.jpg
99 VT S2
pumps on ebay are around $40-60 + postage
looks about the same condition as mine
Picked one up at Autobarn 10 mins ago for $70 so happy with that. Got some gasket remover as well :-)
99 VT S2
good luck with the install, let me know how you go
Make sure to put some gasket goo on both sides of the gasket!
And make sure the surface is spotless or it'll leak without a doubt!
Yeah did that (gasket sealant). The only problem I had was the water pump pulley didn't fit exactly over the pump wheel (it was a slightly smaller concaved shape due to the Autobarn pump wheel being slightly larger than the stock Holden one). I just used longer bolts and it seems to be working. Might look at replacing it too (from a junkyard maybe).
Picked up a second-hand water pump pulley with the center cut out (there are two types apparently - OEM and one with the center cut out for aftermarket water pumps) for $15.
Flushed out the radiator and engine block but even with new coolant, it still looks dirty after 10 mins. How effective are those rust inhibitor products?
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