last month we installed a new waterpump and only got one O-ring in the kit, and worse we neglected to use it, so the old one is still there.

We already had some front engine leakage, but cannot tell if it is increased.

should I do that install over again just to get the O-rings in? pump works fine...
or wait until i need an Opti someday, and just keep adding oil? soon we hope to do the intake gasket as we also have an oil film down the back of the tranny...
tks

 

Get two o rings for the WP drive and use them. If you don't and it's leaking then it could leak onto the opti and ruin it eventually. Did you do any of the other seals on the front end?

The back could be your intake, valve covers, or oil pressure unit leaking...hard to tell unless you get a good look.

 

If you're getting an oil leak from the water pump area, then it's the timing chain cover seal at the water pump output shaft that's leaking, not the water pump drive shaft o-ring. There's no oil that flows inside the water pump shaft.

 

I should've clarified that, thanks. But don't the o rings help seal and hold the coupler on? If those rings aren't used couldn't the coupler play and eventually wear grooves into the shaft?

 

Yeah, the rings make the shaft a snug fit, and I'm sure a wobbling shaft would eventually take it's toll on the seal.

 

yep i think the o ring is to stablize the shaft. 69 is most likely right and its from the water pump shaft seal. theres also the opti seal that can leak, dont seem to though. could it be oil from the intake thats draining down to that area, very common. also check the power steering pump, they can also leak down into the same spot.