convertedchevyman

I noticed after I shut off my 4.3 engine in my 98 Blazer I am leaking coolant (only a small puddle then quits). It is running 210 degrees, and heating fine. The leak seems to be around the water pump. Will a bad water pump show these signs.

lou S.

Yep, sure will. Better think about replacing it.

convertedchevyman

Is this a difficult job? or can a novice do it?

hunter01

It's not that difficult. I have seen a post in this forum where you might need a special tool to remove the fan clutch. I'ts always a good idea to have a repair manual. Also take care to protect your radiator with a piece of stiff cardboard or thin plywood when you remove the old water pump so that you don't puncture it.

SComp23

If the water pump is bad it should be coming out of the weep hole. As for the special tool to get the fan off, I attached a vise grip to the bolt and smacked it with a hammer.

convertedchevyman

Where is the weep hole located

thanks

hunter01

It should be underneath and behind the pulley

bradhaight

I have 99 blazer, replaced the pump at 65,000, and radaitor at 57,000, next thing will go is the oil lines.. I replaced my pump in a few hours, just get a good manaul at the library, motor or a chilton, or if your lucky, actaul gm shop manual.. In the future will have a replace the oil lines, front hub bearings, and multifunction switch on steering column.. by this time you will be a mechanic, like me.. Good luck, and the weep hole leaks, new pump..

brad

P.S. If it is 4x4, the encoder motor will go too, I have less than 80,000, and drive lightly.. Keeping my fingers cross, and avoid looking under the vehicle for oil leaking..

convertedchevyman

I did not mention this in My opening statement, but I topped off with coolant this weekend when I changed the oil. Someone told me that the system could be pushing the excess out the waterpump instead of the overflow? due to bad rad. cap or overflow line clogged What do you guys think?

bradhaight

Go back to scomp 23 quote/ I thought the same to,, but the leak never went away til , I put on a new pump.. also might want to instal a new serpentine belt on the install... This guy's theory doesn't hold water.. It is a closed system, and please check your cap to for corrosion, it can screw up the dex cool properties "GM and dexcool". You might just flush the system completely, to and get rid of the 150,000 mile @#@#*coolant, and go with prestone or equivant, and change every 60,000 miles.. I did with mine, and do not have to worry about dexcool stories in the future! good luck brad