Minor Leaking water pump, advice request

[carbore]

Hello,

I have just got a series 3 LWB ex tow truck (Dont you love ebay)

It has a minor leak around the water pump, looks like its possibly weeping out around the bolts that hold the pump on.  Its not losing much water (hardly noticeable drop in 400 miles) , but it is making the alternator wet after a longish drive which could cause some other problems.

The pump is working well as cooling was no problem on a long mototrway drive on a hot day.

Does anyone know what the most sensible fix will be, new gasket, pump service kit or new pump or something else.  Land rover bits seem cheep and  I am of the school that would rather buy all the bits, fix and forget as opposed to try this and that?

IS there a "common issue"?

Thanks.

[Les Henson]

Sounds like you just need to replace the gasket. There is a 7 or 9-bolt water pump, so make sure you get the right gasket. The bolts have a habit of snapping off - especially the ones that form a triangle on the right hand side of the pump, so be careful.


Les.

[carbore]

Thanks Les,

Any advice as to do it warm or cold, theoretically should it not be easier to undo the bolts if its warm. Also copious amounts of WD40 and patience to let it work in.

[Les Henson]

The bolts pass right through the pump and into the engine block, and this is usually where they sieze. Striking the bolt heads a few times with a hammer before trying to undo them sometimes works, as well as heat from a blow torch/freeze spray/turning the opposite way (tightening). Other things - such as swearing, kicking the 'b***** thing, throwing tools about, stomping around in a foul mood, asking a mate who might know - are less effective.  :D


Les.

[Lucy1978]

failing that a bottle of radseal may well just cure it without the hastle of taking it apart.