I recently had a minor leak from my water pump at 62K miles. I replaced it with a NAPA Tru-flow for $52 and all seems good so far.

However, when I examined the original I noticed that the weep hole was completely blocked with rust colored sludge. I had ignored the maintenance schedule item about making sure the weep hole was clear.

Now I am wondering it not making sure the weep hole and passage is clear might be the cause of what I consider a premature pump failure. Does anyone clean the weep hole as specified? If so, did you experience a water pump failure?

I am not sure how I will keep the new pump's weep hole clear, but I am going to try and see if pump life is extended.

 

I was under the impression that the weep hole was to let you know thw pump WAS FAILING. So the pump should NOT WEEP unless there is a problem. THe only issue with letting it plug up is that it was telling you long before it was going south. I don't think the blockage CAUSED the failure.

 

It's just a "tattle tale" hole I've always believed,,, just replaced mine on my little work truck,, rust stains coming from the hole, no water but stained,, I've seen a many of them leak from that hole, which is the shaft seal giving out.

 

You are probably correct, although it occurred to me that the pump could be designed to "leak" a little from a secondary seal surface, which might prevent pressure build up on the primary seal.

Most likely, it is as you say, the instruction to clean the weep hole is intended to draw attention to whether the pump was leaking at all and give advance notice of a required replacement.

Thanks for your thoughts on this issue.

 

Where on the water pump is this weep hole you guys are talking about. i never heard of it, quess now i should check mine

 

What you mention above is the primary function of the weep hole. You also asked by not making sure the weep hole and passage is clear, would it be plausible to assume this blockage as the cause of premature pump failure. I have discovered the following with our CTD company trucks (27). We currently have the 2007 model year and prior to that we had the 2001.5 model year trucks. With that said,I have found that a small amount of coolant weepage or just enough to dampen the water pump housing but not drip over an extended period, will exascerbate the blockage. If the weep hole is not cleaned, the rust tends to form within the weep hole area and builds up over time and fills the area. I do not believe the blocage contributes to pump failure.

 

If you stand in front of the vehicle, the weep hole is located on the left side of the pump. Look at the water pump housing bolt on the left. It is located on the housing approximately 2" from that bolt.

You can find it with an inspection mirror if you have one handy. I find it best to use a pipe cleaner to clean out the weep hole.

 

I should check this. Thanks to all in this thread.

 

This is how mine failed at 51k. Check out this thread I had started about it, I have pictures in there. Water Pump Thread

 

I remember this thread! Thanks for sharing this. I am certain the pictures provided will certainly be helpful to others.