i found a small leak in my water its coming from the top of the pump right where the inspection plate meets the pump housing and i mean small more like sweating out is there a gasket that goes under the inspection plate or is this a sign the pump is on its way out

 

Inspection plate? Usually the only things that really go wrong with a water pump are the shaft bearings and shaft seal. Leaks at other places are usually the result of failed gaskets.

 

well i guess when i take that plate off tomorrow i can check the bearing