I have a 1990 GMC K1500 Sierra and about 1 week ago I went to check the anti-freeze level. I noticed it was a tiny bit down. So I look down at the lower radiator hose and it had a slow drip. So the next day I changed the anti-freeze, New thermostat, and a New lower radiator hose. So I thought it was fine but yesterday I went to go check the anti-freeze and the level was down. I look at the lower radiator hose and it has a slow drip again. The hose I replace was Brand New. Could this be a water pump? I did notice a tiny bit of anti-freeze on the water pump. Or what could this be or do I have to change the hose again?
look at the bottom of the water pump best done from on the ground. you will see a small hole at the bottom this is called a weep hole. if you see anti-freeze at the weep hole then the water pump seal is bad and the pump needs replaced. a lot of time the weep hole will leak and run down the hose. if the pump is not leaking then tighten the hose clamp.
here,s what to do. when it,s dripping look under the car and see if it,s running down the hose. it could be coming from the top of the hose like maybe the top clamp is,nt tight enough or it could be coming from the water pump. if it turns out to be the hose then do like i do. i put some ( indian head shellac ) around the inside of the hoses then i put it on. that will stop it from leaking if it,s the hose.
You should have bought the BMW M3!!!! Which engine is in your Sierra?? You are probably right about the water pump. Be aware that many GM engines (V-6's) have intake manifold and IM leaks that require attention. Apparently, there is a bad chemical reaction between the Dex-cool coolant, and the nylon and rubber compounds in the Intake system. This would account for coolant loss. ADVICE: fix the problem, and then switch to Mercedes Benz coolant, to prevent the return of EITHER issue. Good Luck!!
If the water pump is leaking, there should be a trail of coolant going down the engine. Gotta find where the leak is coming from to determine what to replace. Upper hose, clamps, radiator? Sometimes ya gotta hose off all the antifreeze, let it dry, then look. Good luck.
It depends a lot on the engine in the car, and knowing the year would really help. $600 is outrageously expensive for the 2.2L engine and outrageously cheap for the 2.4L engine. You can replace your own on the 2.2, with a little help from somebody experienced. I definitely don't recommend trying water pump replacement on the 2.4L engine! No timing belt on either. If the leak is slow enough you can carry conventional antifreeze and purified water (no tap water!) and refill every morning and every afternoon. When you are adding more than a quart of the combined liquids (either premix or manually use half of each) you will have to come up with an alternate plan. As thebax says, stop leak won't work on a water pump.
