wgething

Took the shark to work this morning as usual, but this time I smelled the sweet smell of burning coolant as I parked. So, I made a quick survielance of the underside of the car when I parked it, but there were no leaks to be found, so I continued on to work. After about 4 hours I went outside to see a 6 inch wide puddle of green coming from the front of the car. I looked underneath and saw the starting point...more towards the middle of the oil pan. I looked under the hood to see where the wet spots were, but didn't see much. I cranked up the engine...no leaks. I figured that maybe it needed to be at operating temp...so I drove it home...still no leaks. I shut it down after getting it hot, and there is what looks like a small wet area from just around and below the crank pully. Not sure if it is the WP or not, but it didn't gush out or anything like that. I let it sit for a bit and had no real dripping issues noticed, so I drove the other car to work. When I returned I found another green puddle eminating from just under the front of the oil pan. Small amounts of fluid can be seen on the front of the pan fins. I checked all the hoses, resevoir and radiator...they're all good. The only thing that I can think it could be without jacking the car up is the water pump. I'm just curious on why the puddle doesn't show up until the car is fairly cool. I sat and watched it after it was hot and shut down. Any help would be appreciated...

83 928S Auto,

T Colvin

Sounds like the water pump.

Shark Attack

i second that

why when heating or cooling? things move, get bigger and smaller when they are hot or cold

JKelly

Mine did the same thing, same spot. It was fine after driving and the next day there was a puddle. Maybe the water pump and gasket cools and shrinks before the coolant cools and looses pressure?

Garth S

Most likely the shaft seal on the water pump - you are lucky to catch it early: the seal is still reasonably effective when spinning, but passes with the static 15psi behind it on hot shutdown .... new pump is the cure.

You can remove the expansion tank cap and run the coolant system at zero backpressure to continue driving as you gear up for the TB/pump job; however, keep a close eye on the system temp and listen for pump bearing noises.

SharkSkin

Mine did the exact same thing a couple weeks ago, except water was dripping off the side of the pan -- running across the front, behind the oil level sensor, then dropping off the side. I took off the DS TB cover and looked inside -- and found a trail of water starting at the weep hole in the pump casting.

I also have been doing exactly what Garth suggests. My daily driving is generally not too far in one shot so I've been able to add ~1-2 qts of water every day and drive it with the cap loosened all the way to the stop but not removed. Parts in hand, I'm planning to dig in and git 'er done Saturday.

Mrmerlin

Hi it sounds like the water pump seal mine leaked a trail just to the right of crank centerline while looking at the engine and dripped off the pan, my Porsche factory replacment pump only lasted 1800 miles so i got one of our fresh rebuilt pumps and viola a less expensive part that works great,Stan

wgething

Thanks to all... I figured as much, I just didn't want to hear it right now with the holidays and all. Sounds like I will have some mechanic-in to do when the New Year gets here. I guess the S will be getting some presents over the holidays in the form of a new WP and TB with all the trimmings. Furthermore, an upgraded steering pump, crossover pipe, headers and a new Flowmaster muffler system will be in the mix... I got the fever!!