Afraid of the answer.....

[robdelorenzo]

Very true.

I did loosen the belt and feel the water pump pulley.

I am pretty certain that I felt vertical play in the bearing, which can't be good.

I'm not doing anything else except going to the mechanic tomorrow.

I'm in over my head.

At least I have a little bit more information to give him.

[robdelorenzo]

I talked to the mechanic at length yesterday.
He wants $1100 to replace the water pump and thermostat!
I'm not willing to gamble that kind of money at this point.
Call me crazy, but I'm going to DIY the water pump and thermostat, flush the system, clean the front radiators, and see what happens.
I'll gamble the $300, some skinned knuckles perhaps, and an afternoon to see what's going on. If it still leaks or the head gasket is blown or worse, than it's either for sale or to the scrap yard it goes.
On the other hand, if it solves my problem and best case scenario is I get some more life out of the car or can sell it while it's running.
Worst case is I'm out $300 and some time.
Inspecting the impeller will reveal a lot and where to go from there.

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by robdelorenzo

Call me crazy, but I'm going to DIY the water pump and thermostat, flush the system, clean the front radiators, and see what happens.

Great call.