Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Replace the water pump if it has any of the following defects.
1. Damage or cracks on the pump body.

Figure 34-Water Pump Weep Passage-2.7L Engine:

2. Coolant leaks; if the seal is leaking, this will be evident by traces of thick deposits of dried glycol running down the pump weep passage and components below. A thin black stain below pump weep hole/passage is considered normal operation.
3. Impeller rubs inside of cylinder block.
4. Excessively loose or rough turning bearing.

NOTE: It is normal for the water pump to weep a small amount of coolant from the weep hole (black stain on water pump body). Do not replace the water pump if this condition exists. Replace the water pump if a heavy deposit or a steady flow of engine coolant is evident from the weep passage. This indicates a shaft seal failure and pump must be replaced. Be sure to perform a thorough analysis before replacing water pump.