I have a 2002 Z28 with about 45,000 miles on it, bought it new. Has been a perfect running car with no problems. I was into the local dealership for an oil change a few days ago and the service guy said the water pump had a slow leak. He showed me an area under the car at the base of the water pump a few "brown or rust colored" dried stains, and said they were slow coolant leaks from the pump. At home, I haven't noticed any dripping on garage floor yet, but am seriously considering replacing the pump ASAP. Has anyone else had a water pump failure on a 2002 Z28? I'm in Phoenix and wondered if the extreme heat out here has greater wear and tear on them. Any thoughts? Any chance that the dried stains are just a "normal" condition and the dealer is trying to sell me something I don't need yet? I'm new to the board and would appreciate your comments and help. Jim

 

Jim,

the problem that your having here is a normal condition when water pumps are on their last leg. The dealer is correct with what he is telling you. On all Chevrolet water pumps there is a small hole underneath or somewhere else thats called a "weep" hole. Its purpose is to let you know when the water pump seal is fixing to fail. As far as now you will not have any noticeable stains on your floor. Thats because its not leaking out that bad nor fast because its just a trickle that evaporates before it hits the ground. But as more time goes by the worse it will get. Then you will have noticeable stains on your floor. Where your located at really doesnt have any effect on it. Its just normal wear and tear that causes failures. My advice is for you replace or have someone replace the water pump now before it completely goes out, thus not being able to hold water at all thus causing your engine to overheat and damage it.

Hope this helps