Gasket or Water Pump?

[dstrip72]

I noticed a radiator fluid odor after driving the other day and after investigating the cause it seems to be a small leak around the water pump. When I rev the engine there is a mist that now comes off the serpentine belt. From underneath the car it appears to be a small drip coming from the belt where it comes around the bottom of the water pump pulley.

Question is this. What are the chances that it's just a gasket versus something more ominous with the water pump and/or thermostat?

Dave

[logray]

Probably the water pump. The gasket is metal and unless those bolts worked their way loose which I doubt, the more common thing to read about is h20 pulley separation.

If you are mechanically inclined remove the serpentine belt and see if you can wiggle the pulley with your hands. If there is any play then the pump should be replaced.

H20 pump replacement is not too difficult and is covered in several DIY's here and elsewhere.

I recently installed a brand new pump and it started leaking from behind the pulley at the shaft. Same symptoms. I replaced it almost immediately and the new one has not done the same thing.