1997 Ford Explorer Water Leak in the Engine when Cold

MAP1995

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
270,000 MILES

Dear Friends,

Kindly put some light on the issue in my 1997 Ford Explorer. It was not dropping water unless I went to a cold place. Below 70 degree

I parked the car in the night and in the morning when I came to the car I saw radiator water leak under the engine.

I poured water in the radiator.

One drop after 1-3 second was dropping.

I started the engine and run it for 15-20 minutes. After Engine warmed up and temp gauge reaches normal rage, The water drop stopped.

Again next night when I parked the car and engine got cold below 70degree, water again started dropping. As soon as I warmed up the engine the leak stopped.

Experts Kindly guide me what can be the issue.

Thanks.

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Can you tell me the general area of the engine compartment that you see the leak coming from?

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Thursday, September 10th, 2009 AT 8:21 AM

MAP1995

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7 POSTS

Hi,

It is not under the radiator. It is under the fan belts some where.

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Thursday, September 10th, 2009 AT 9:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Then my guess is the waterpump is leaking. There is a small weep hole under there that is designed to indicate when the bearing or seal goes bad in the pump. When you park, the coolant stops circulating and for a short time the coolant temp raises because it is laying in the engine. That builds more pressure and the next day, you see a leak that is actually from the night before.

If you can, look under the water pump for the hole I mentioned. Once you find it, look for evidence of it leaking. I'm 99% confident that is the problem.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

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Thursday, September 10th, 2009 AT 10:32 AM

MAP1995

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Hi,

I have got it checked, and it is the water pump leaking. Is there any way to stop leak by using any stop-leak.
Local workshop is demanding $200 for replacement.

What do you suggest.

Any place good and cheaper.

Thanx.

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Thursday, September 10th, 2009 AT 5:42 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,772 POSTS

Honsty, stop leak is designed to stop in a radiator; however, it usually cloggs the heater core. I don't recommend it. It won't stop a waterpump from leaking. Do you think you could do it yourself? The pump is around 50.00 dollars. I can get you directions if you feel that you can do it. It takes work, but if you take your time, have some tools around, and have a little mechanical ability, you should be ok.

Let me know. I'll be here if you have questions if you try it. If I was near you, I would help, but most likely you are on the other side of the country.

Let me know what you decide to do. And honestly, if the 200 is for both parts and labor, that isn't a bad price. They are not taking advantage, but believe me when I say, I know what it's like not to have it.

Joe