Time for the Water Pump, 2 wrench job...

[SpikeJr]

Sitting in the drive-thru and started to hear a fairly loud urethane / plastic type of noise...slight rev of the engine and the noise went away only to return. Not happy at this point...and I'm stuck in line with no way out...

Make the drive home (less than 2 miles) and don't see any abnormal indications. Sound seems to have stopped. Driving home, I see nothing on the road behind me as far as fluid leaks - and no unusual exhaust (smoke / vapor).

Pulled into the drive way and no sound?! So I pull into the garage and let it idle to see if I can hear the noise again. Nothing - but now the temp is creeping higher above the usual needle on the "0" of the 180deg marking. Temp fans come on and it keeps going up very slowly so I shut her down...

Hop out and then I see a small spot coolant on the driveway - similar to an air conditioner spot. Now in the garage, I can see (and hear) coolant leaking from the engine compartment just behind the passenger seat...

So - my guess is the impeller is toast - hopefully a ceramic impeller. I'm searching the previous owner's records for any replacements...any other thoughts if I'm headed down the wrong path?

A couple of searches about water pumps on the forum where helpful. Nice recent discussion on the types / brands as well as a good discussion on thermostats. The kit has a 160deg stat so that will get done at the same time. Water pump kit is now on the way from Pelican.

Might not make it by the "Labor Day" weekend...should give me time to tear out the old pump and have things prepped...