HELP! Big 750iL Coolant Leak! Water Pump? (archive)

When my water pump went, it began with a slow leak(ie drip, drip, drip). You could smell the coolant but there was no spray. You can usually look at the bottom of the crankshaft pulley and will see coolant which came from the water pump.

If there is a great amount of coolant spraying, check both radiator hoses. The one on the right connects the thermostat housing to the lower right fitting on the radiator. The other goes from the water pump to the top left corner fitting of the radiator. Should be easy to pick up hose leaks. Leaks from the water pump are a little harder to pinpoint.

If it is the water pump and it must be replaced, extreme caution must be paid when removing the bolts through the water pump and into the block. They may be somewhat stubborn but do not force. I had to tap the end of one of the bolts with a hammar to break it loose. Then, it would come out. It will be big $$$ if the bolt snaps off in the block(be careful)

Rule out the simple stuff first(radiator hoses) then go for the water pump if it is not the hoses.

Nishi
89 750

Help. I drove my '90 750iL (124k) this this afternoon for about 10 miles without incident.
Several hours later, I got back to my car and started it up, but it hesitated (rough idle), and the power steering worked only intermittently. I backed out and found a rather large puddle of coolant.

I stopped, opened the hood, and found coolant spraying up from the front of the motor. I can't tell what the actual source of the leak was, but it was dripping down onto the drive belts, which in turn were spraying the coolant every which way. I gather the slipping drive belts were the cause of the intermittent power steering and hesitant idle.

I stopped the motor, and carefully opened the surge tank cap to inspect the level (the coolant temp was at less than 1/4). Upon doing this, the pressure change in the system caused whatever is leaking to pour another half gallon or so on to the pavement.

The car is undriveable, so I'm going to have to tow it home or to the shop.

So, does this sound like a water pump? What are the possibilities here?

Thank you very much in advance for your helpful suggestions.

Jason Ferguson

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