QuestionQUESTION: i have replaced the bottom radiator hose on my 97 jeep cherokee and it's still leaking down there. i can't really tell where its coming from, looks like it runs out the bottom of the engine and also runs down that hose, i checked the hose it's tight. any ideas? heard it might be the water pump but i dont know
ANSWER: Hi Heather
Since the bottom hose connects to the water pump, the water pump could be leaking and coolant may be following the hose down to the radiator. You may want to check up at the thermostat as well just to make sure it's not dripping down from there. You may also want to check for a freeze plug that may be leaking.
Kenji
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QUESTION: thank you, what is a freeze plug? i talked to someone and they told me it is probably the oil pan gasket? b/c that's where it looks like its coming from is around that pan, but it also runs down that hose, it couldn't get up on the hose if it was the pan could it?
ANSWER: Hi Heather,
Freeze plugs are installed in the block and they are designed to fail if the coolant freezes in an effort to keep the engine block from cracking when expansion occurs with frozen liquid. They are about the size of 50 cent pieces and are usually pressed in on each side of the engine block. They can become corroded and leak. It's not likely with a 97 that they should be leaking but you may want to rule them out anyway. It's definitely not the oil pan gasket. There isn't any coolant in the oil pan, just motor oil. If you're seeing coolant around the pan it's probably coming from above somewhere like the water pump, radiator hose or heater hose connection. There is a weep hole behind the water pump pulley that will leak if the seal on the pump shaft fails. If this is the case you must replace the water pump.There is also a drain plug on the bottom of the radiator you may want to check. Coolant from here could make it to the pan if it has been blown there by wind while driving.
Kenji
Did you get that window put in?
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QUESTION: yes i did get a window and get it put in, thank you so much for that also.
my friend told me he thought it was the water pump also but then when i told him it was leaking around the pan on the bottome of the engine he thought it was the timing pan gasket? (he was on the phone, not there in person) he also thought it was this b/c i told him the water pump was on the opposite side as where the leaking was coming from. all i can see when i get under there is leaking from the top of that bottom hose i replaced, makes it look like the clamp isnt tight or something but it is and then it looks like it coming out of in between that pan seal. i called the garage and that guy told me it sounded like the oil pan gasket or it could be the oil pan itself. so i am confused but i dont want to spend alot of money at the garage if it is just the water pump b/c i can probably just do it myself. so any help still would be great. thanks
AnswerHi again Heather,
Wish I could see what you're seeing! I can definitely help you remove and replace your water pump. You may have to read another long boring instruction sheet like I sent you when you replaced your window ;-) It sounds like it's not for sure the water pump with all the help you're getting from you friends. Did you tighten the hose clamp with a screw driver? Sometimes when I want to make sure a hose clamp is super tight I use a wrench and socket. Try that if you haven't yet. Sometimes you cant get enough torque on that slotted nut with a screw driver. You could also reinstall the hose to water pump if you aren't sure the water pump is the culprit. it's a hassle but it won't cost you anything. If you can have a mechanic look at it to determine where it's leaking and you want to try the repair yourself I'll do my best to assist.
Kenji
