So, my husband and I bought a 1993 Chevrolet Corsica a couple of months ago. This weekend we took a trip that ended up being about 400 miles round trip. About 300 miles into our trip, the Check Engine light came on, but there was no noticable problem with the car, no overheating, no clanking or odd smells, the light went off about 2 minutes later. So we got it home, no problems whatsoever. My husband drove it to work this morning, and we were preparing to go to the store tonight in it, and we noticed a massive amount of radiator fluid under the car and the overflow bottle was empty. The leaking appears to be coming from the engine, and the antifreeze is running down one of the upper belts. Could this be a water pump problem? If so, what is the average cost to repair one (I know water pumps are relatively inexpensive, but we'll need to take it in to a shop). Does anyone have any idea? All replies will be greatly appreciated.
Sounds exactly like your water pump. I had the same problem with a cavalier. The pump shoud be around $30 to $50 or so. Cost to change? Probably around $100 to $150. Maybe more so don't quote me on that. Every shop has their own hourly rate.
On any pump i have seen, there is a small hole in the back of it. Water/antifreeze will run or spew out of that hole when the engine is running. This is a safety precaution from the manufacturer. Don't know about installation in your vehicle, but it is relatively easy in mine. Everything should be right up front.
It could be the water pump, it could be many items. Rather than just guessing I would take it to a shop and have them pressure test the cooling system and do a block test. We charge 30 dollars at my shop. At that point, you can decide whether it's worth fixing the car or junking it.
we've a Jetta and the water pump went at 30,000 miles. Its meant to final plenty longer till the timing belt desires to get replaced. the reason they use plastic for the impeller is so if it fails it would not injury the timing belt. while the pump fails you may notcontinual the motor vehicle for any distance, the engine overheats, the warning lighting fixtures come on and thats it. in case you endured tocontinual you would be able to desire to doubtlessly grab the engine or a minimum of blow the top gasket and deform the top, those engines are all aluminum and can't stand to be overheated.
Check engine is probably indicating an emissions issue but it could have been overheating slightly. A leak at the top centre on the front of the engine (engine sideways so front is passenger side) is an indication of a failing water pump. What happens is the bushing wears and the seal can allow coolant past. This is a built in safety feature so you get fair warning of an impending disaster. It takes about 45 minutes but the shop will go by the book and charge 1 to 1.5 hours. They will also charge full retail on the water pump I'm not slamming repair facilities they have to charge these amounts or they just don't make money. You should have them replace the serpentine belt while they are at it. Expect to pay $250 to $350 including shop supplies like engine coolant and LocTite.
