2002 GMC Yukon XL Water Pump Leak

GMC C1500
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TXAGGIES88
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make: GMC, model: Yukon XL 1500 (2WD), year: 2002, mileage: 74,000, engine size: 5.3L V8.

Car Pros, I was recently under my truck changing the transmission fluid when I noticed that the engine had a somewhat clear oily leak coming from the front of the engine block. The liquid appears to be coming from the weep hole of my water pump, but I am concerned that the leaking fluid is more of a clear machine oil and not coolant. Does this sound as if my water pump is failing or could there be another problem at hand? Currently the engine does not run hot and the coolant level is not low.

If the water pump needs to be replaced, is this something that a novice could do or do you recommend that I take this to a shop for repair. I have access to garage tools so any estimate on how long I should set aside to complete the repair?
Thanks for your assistance.
Mar 11, 2007 at 12:01 PM
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CHEVY22
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Hi
if you have access to tolls would you have a cooling system pressure tester , if so , i would recommend testing before a replacement and as far as time with hand tools i would set aside 2 hours to be safe , if you do find that the water pump is leaking and need some help with tear down feel free to ask for help

Jim
Mar 11, 2007 at 12:44 PM
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TXAGGIES88
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Jim,
Thanks for the response. Can you let me know your opinion if you think the leak is coming from my water pump. Does the pump have some self contained oil to keep it running. Also what should I look for with the pressure check? The leak gives me about a 4-6 inch round puddle on the ground after about 30 minutes of running. Thanks, Paul

if you think that m[quote:b44802b4cf="CHEVYII"]Hi
if you have access to tolls would you have a cooling system pressure tester , if so , i would recommend testing before a replacement and as far as time with hand tools i would set aside 2 hours to be safe , if you do find that the water pump is leaking and need some help with tear down feel free to ask for help

Jim[/quote:b44802b4cf]
Mar 11, 2007 at 1:16 PM
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CHEVY22
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,375 POSTS
Hey Paul , the pressure test would let you know if the leak was actually from the water pump , you put pressure on the system on the cooling system without circulating it and if there is a leak at the pump this will show you for sure , the water pump has a diaphragm at the weep hole when it pops the coolant will leak , im a stickler on testing , i dont like to replace parts that arent bad , so if you cant get the pressure tester , see if you can get a mirror on the underside of the pump to verify the leak

Jim
Mar 11, 2007 at 1:30 PM

Suggested Repair

Pressure-test the cooling system before replacing the water pump. If a tester is unavailable, use a mirror to inspect the underside of the pump and confirm the leak is from the weep hole. A failed pump diaphragm typically leaks coolant. Allow about two hours with hand tools if replacement is confirmed.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500 noticed a clear oily leak from the front of the engine that appeared to come from the water pump weep hole, although the engine was not overheating and the coolant level was normal. The expert advised pressure-testing the cooling system to confirm a pump leak before replacement, or using a mirror under the pump if a tester is unavailable. A failed weep-hole diaphragm leaks coolant, and replacement with hand tools was estimated at about two hours.

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