2000 Alero 3.4L Coolant Leak

[quidditchfan]

So Ihave checking the posts about this and I'm not sure what might be my problem so I'm hoping someone can help to narrow it down for me. My Alero developed a coolant leak about a week or so ago. At first I noticed just small drips on the driveway in the morning after it had sat for the night but then last night I noticed smoke out of the engine block so I checked under the hood and immediately noticed coolant on the engine block and the serpentine belt (which was where the smoking was coming from).

There is no large puddle under the car and the car was not overheating so leads me to guess that not a rad leak. I checked all the hoses and cannot find one that's cracked, broken or has an overly worn clamp. I started the car with the hood open and no unusual sounds that would lead me to the water pump and no gusher of fluid like you would expect from a faulty pump. No coolant in the oil either. Refilled the resevoir earlier this week and made sure the cap was tight but possibly a faulty cap? Coolant is just on the passenger side and has sprayed on the underside of the hood from the belt, which led me to believe water pump but wouldn't it have a pronounced leak when running. From the underside of the car can see coolant dripping along the frame but cannot locate the source.

Any ideas? Also if it does end up being the water pump does someone have detailed directions on how to change it in this car? I'm a passable mechanic but not fantastic.

Thanks in advance for the help!

[BNaylor]

The water pump has weep holes so the coolant could be coming from there. Also, have you inspected the area where the lower intake manifold mates to the engine block and cylinder heads. LIM gaskets are a common source for external and internal coolant leaks.

[quidditchfan]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

The water pump has weep holes so the coolant could be coming from there. Also, have you inspected the area where the lower intake manifold mates to the engine block and cylinder heads. LIM gaskets are a common source for external and internal coolant leaks.

Thanks for the info...it was in fact the water pump that was leaking so have changed it and all appears to be well. Thanks again for the help!

[dwbailey]

Originally Posted by quidditchfan

Thanks for the info...it was in fact the water pump that was leaking so have changed it and all appears to be well. Thanks again for the help!

I had a coolant leak in my 2000 and I deducted it was from around the timing chain cover where coolant is routed. It was recommended that I get some stop leak tablets that are only available from the dealer. Got them and crushed them up and dropped it in the coolant tank and within a day the leak was gone and has not come back yet. This was several months ago. They recommend you put them in at every coolant change. I'm a believer now and will use them in all of my vehicles.