97 SE 2.4 L cooling system issues

Hello forum,

I am new to the forum. Daughter just bought a 97 GA Se with the 2.4 L. She was told the cooling system needed flushed and that the thermostat has been replaced. She called later that night saying that coolant was leaking from the passenger side of the car. Upon my investigation I noticed that the radiator has a 2 inch long crack on the drivers side. Ordered a new radiator and went to remove the old one today. What a fun job. However, when I removed the lower radiator hose from the inlet pipe, coolant started dripping from up near the water pump. My question, since I really couldn't see exactly where the leak is, should I assume that the water pump has blown a gasket or a seal and needs replacing? I am an old 350 man so these new fangled motors are sort of a mystery to me. Appreciate any help I can get.:)

Welcome to AF!!

Unfortunately, the waterpump on the 2.4 is hard to change. It is in the back of the engine and is quite hard to get to. Usually a lift helps the job because you really need to get underneath the vehicle to get to it. There is also a plastic elbow that will break and needs to be replaced so make sure you change it when you do the pump. If you have the time and fortitude go ahead and change the pump while the coolant is drained.

update: changed the radiator. started the car, the upper hose, the right side of the radiator, and the bypass hose got extremly hot, gauge read around 230, while the left side of the radiator, the small hose leading out of the recovery tank, and the lower hose stayed cool. My experience says that the thermostat is shot. However, car was taken to a mechanic who said he replaced the thermostat. I'm wondering if he thought the thermostat was bolted on the block instead of on the water pump. Is the thermostat actually on the block, upper hose coming from it, or is it actually on the water pump? I could really use some guidance here so I can get my daughter on the road. Thanks.