water pump leak after changing serpentine belt and alternator

1999 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
100,000 MILES • V8 • AUTOMATIC
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RWLADYBUG72
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  • 1 POST
I replaced the alternator and serpentine belt on a 99 Continental. I drove the car about 4-5 miles and there is a massive coolant leak near the water pump. Is it possible that the water pump went out that quickly? Could there be another problem that I missed?
Jul 25, 2015 at 10:25 AM
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WRENCHTECH
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 20,761 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
There is a water pipe connected by a small rubber hose directly below the alternator. They have been known to rust out or the hose could be leaking. You need to pressure test the cooling system to isolate the leak.
Jul 25, 2015 at 11:54 AM
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