I have a fairly significant coolant leak that just started, again it is a 97 Z28 with 34K miles on it so it sat alot.

Coolant seems to be leaking only when the engine is very cold and stops after it is fully warmed.

I cannot track down the source because it is leaking onto the pulleys and spraying coolant everywhere.

Anybody have a suggestion or have had a similar problem?

I am thinking the thermostat housing on top of the water pump.

Thanks

 

It is prolly your water pump itself. There is a drainage tube at the bottom that is ment to leak when the seals have gone bad.

 

After the car cools down again I will start it up and look for leaking from the tube.

How much does a new pump run?

Should I go with an aftermarket or OEM?

Thanks.

 

OK new information....

I looked at the bottom of the water pump and there was a wet mark coming down from what appears to be a weeping hole.

I also found that the was coolant all the way around the thermostat housing and a wet line running down the housing.

Am I looking at two problems?

I cleaned up all the wet I could and I am waiting for the engine to completely cool down before I start it again.

I did take a 1/4" drive socket and gave the bolts on the housing and extra snug.

I will post again after I start her up and see what happens.

 

You could have two problems, but start with the cheapest fix first, such as the stat housing. Be careful with the coolant leaks at the front of the engine. Too much colant leak on the Optispark will cause it to go bad, and you will need a new one.

 

After all that it was the water pump after all.

Thanks sbnormo and z28pete.