Leaking coolant and overheating

2006 CHEVROLET IMPALA

192,368 MILES • 3.5L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

JR47

MEMBER
116 POSTS

The car is leaking coolant but I am not sure where from. I have not had time to really look at it. I did notice when the car is idling that coolant is being flung off the idler pulley I believe it is that sits above the water pump. If anyone has a belt diagram that would be useful.

May 17, 2018 at 11:14 AM

HARRY P

✓Experienced Mechanic
2,292 POSTS

I am attaching the layout as provided to us by GM. Hope that helps. I will say, you probably are looking at a leaking water pump or water pump gasket. There is a test that anyone can do to find a cooling system leak. Here it is: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

You can borrow the pressure tester from your local AutoZone, Advance Auto, or O'Reilly Auto Parts. I think PepBoys also has a loan-a-tool program as well. So do that, and let us know what you find. We will go from there. Good luck.

Image (Click to enlarge)

May 17, 2018 at 12:38 PM

JR47

MEMBER
116 POSTS

Well with the help of an inspection mirror I was able to find coolant dripping off the bottom of the water pump. I did not find any other leaks after cleaning the area and checking again.

May 18, 2018 at 7:43 AM

HARRY P

✓Experienced Mechanic
2,292 POSTS

A leak coming from the bottom of the pump is likely coming from a weep hole. That hole only leaks when the internal seal fails. You will need to replace both the pump and the gasket. I am attaching all of Prodemand's information regarding changing the pump. And here is a YouTube guide as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOsM9vMhxk8

The job looks fairly complex, but it is really not that bad. Let us know how it goes.

Images (Click to enlarge)