Radiator problem?

[creamstylecorn]

Hi. I just bought a 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo. I noticed that the digital display in the car said that the coolant was low. I added coolant to the fill line yesterday and the warning on the display went away. The car however seems to be dripping a small amount of coolant. Not gushing, just small drops. I wasn't too worried until today when I shut the engine off and noticed a small amount of what looked like smoke coming out from under the hood. I opened the hood and it looked like it was coming from somewhere near the front of the car. Not a lot of smoke, and it definately didn't look like steam. Incidentally, the temperature guage in the car says that the temperature is normal.
I will take the car to a mechanic this week, and I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas of what it might be. I would rather have an idea before I walk into a repair shop.

[Dale Aeppli]

Originally Posted by creamstylecorn

Hi. I just bought a 1996 Grand Cherokee Laredo. I noticed that the digital display in the car said that the coolant was low. I added coolant to the fill line yesterday and the warning on the display went away. The car however seems to be dripping a small amount of coolant. Not gushing, just small drops. I wasn't too worried until today when I shut the engine off and noticed a small amount of what looked like smoke coming out from under the hood. I opened the hood and it looked like it was coming from somewhere near the front of the car. Not a lot of smoke, and it definately didn't look like steam. Incidentally, the temperature guage in the car says that the temperature is normal.
I will take the car to a mechanic this week, and I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas of what it might be. I would rather have an idea before I walk into a repair shop.

HI QUITE LIKELY YOU MAY HAVE A WATER PUMP GOING BAD. IT HAS A SMALL WEEP HOLE BELOW THE SHAFT AND BEARING. THATS WHERE THEY START TO LEAK, HOPE THIS IS OF HELP DALE

[Saudade]

Yep, I agree with Dale. It's likely the water pump.