Water pump blues

[Davemn]

I have coolant leaking from the weep hole (florecent dye test). Its just a few drips a week. Looks like a new pump is needed according to the manual. Any tips for this install? What has failed inside the pump? It says to drain coolant and oil. Looks like it just bolts right on. What does a new pump run? Thanks.

[sandy]

Check out HondaDirectLine for a price. Get a crush washer for the coolant drain bolt and "YES" drain the oil first. A couple of drops a week is no big deal, but if you have bags, keep a bottle of distilled (purified or deionized) water with you. Another thing: This could be the top radiator hose running down the block and dripping off the drain bolt. It wouldn't be the first time this drip has fooled us.

[T.P.]

Direct Line may have a 10% off sale for the 4th of July.   

[Davemn]

Thanks guys. Looks like $150. I doubt its coming from the hose (previously tightened). I used flourecent dye (black light) and no evidence its running down from the fitting. It clearly glows around the weep hole and the drain plug on the housing.

[Chrisj CMA]

I would suggest three precautions prior to attempting to remove the bolts for the water pump:

1. apply some penetrating oil a couple times before even thinking about cracking them loose

2. go for a short ride to warm up the motor and work on it while warm

3. tap on the heads of the bolts with a small hammer right before putting a wrench to it

These suckers are easy to break so be careful

[hueco]

Just asking. Have you been using silicate free coolant? I did not know any better when I bought my Valk. I changed the coolant and put regular antifreeze back in it. Not long after the pump started leaking. New pump and silicate free coolant. 27,000 miles later and no pump leak. Knock on wood.

[fat6man]

Using penetrating oil as chrisj mentioned is a really good idea, and the best i have ever used in all my years as a machinist is called AeroKroil made by Kano laboratories. It will work its way into gaps as small as a few millionths of an inch!!!
Also, you didn't mention how many miles are on your valk or the age of your hoses but this would be a good opportunity to change them out if needed. Don't forget to clean out your overflow tank.
Let us know the outcome. 

[Davemn]

Its a 98 Standard with 39,000 miles. Always silicate free.
Thanks for the advice!