Is it my water pump?

[Kriis]

Hi,

I have a 97 Camry (4 cyl) and started experiencing overheating of the engine on my way to work yesterday. I pulled over and noticed that the radiator didn't have any coolant visible in it. I drove to the store and added some 50/50 coolant and it seemed to fix the problem. Today I noticed that it started overheating again. I came home and noticed that steam was coming out of the left side of the engine block and a bit from the lower radiator hose. I also noticed that even though the engine was warmed up, I was not receiving any warm air in the cabin.

I have refilled the radiator again with the coolant.

From what I read on the Internet, it seems like the water pump or it's seal has gone. I got my timing belt along with the gaskets changed last year - the water pump wasn't leaking so I didn't bother changing it.

Can anyone confirm that this is the water pump?

Also...even though I did refill the radiator, is it safe form me to drive about 30 mins to the mechanic or should I get it towed there?

Thank you for your help.

[JohnGD]

The water pump can start leaking after the engine overheated. The low coolant level therefore could be a result of a blown head gasket or other leaks besides a failed water pump.

In general if it's a slow leak and you filled it up, it ok to drive around temporarily. But not knowing the extent of the leak or the speed of the leak, I personally would have it towed to avoid further damage to the engine.

What happens with an overheat is the water pump, oil seals and the head gasket can go shortly after. So keep an eye on things. If the only thing that went bad is the pump, then it's not so bad after all.

[uuuuu]

When you say that the 'radiator' didn't have any coolant in it and you refilled the 'radiator' with coolant, are you referring to the plastic reservoir container or the radiator itself? How much coolant did you have to add and do you notice puddles of it under your car when you park it?

The left side of the engine block is where the water pump is located, for sure, so that is a prime suspect. If you need to drive the car, you have limited options (especially because you can't cool down the engine by putting the cabin heat on max). Maybe wire the electric fans on the radiator to always be on? That could give you a few extra minutes of cooler operation.

[Kriis]

It doesn't seem to be a small leak since me filling it up with around 1.5 litres of coolant only lasted 1 day.

What are the signs of the oil seals and head gasket failing?

[Kriis]

Originally Posted by uuuuu

When you say that the 'radiator' didn't have any coolant in it and you refilled the 'radiator' with coolant, are you referring to the plastic reservoir container or the radiator itself? How much coolant did you have to add and do you notice puddles of it under your car when you park it?

The left side of the engine block is where the water pump is located, for sure, so that is a prime suspect. If you need to drive the car, you have limited options (especially because you can't cool down the engine by putting the cabin heat on max). Maybe wire the electric fans on the radiator to always be on? That could give you a few extra minutes of cooler operation.

The reservoir tank had the appropriate amount of coolant, that's why I was surprised that the radiator level wasn't to the top. I added about 1.5 litres to fill it up. I think I may tow it since I don't want to damage anything any further.

[fenixus]

if system doesn't overflow or suck the coolant in return tank this is the sign of either pressure cap (radiator) not working and cutting the system off from overflow tank at all times or a it may mean there is a serious leak (question is where? internally or externally?) in system.

When system is unable to build the pressure then coolant will be boiling very fast, even worse if thermostat is stuck closed.

some bad Head Gasket symptoms:
-milky oil on the dipstick
-buttery residue under the oil filler cap
-white smoke coming out of exhaust with a sweet smell to it
-bad engine performance
-overheating at higher highway speeds or under heavy load
-fast coolant loss
-boiling of coolant in the return tank (assuming the rad cap works right)
-etc.

[dave1811]

I had a similar problem with my 99 and it turned out to be my radiator leaking. My overflow tank was full but my radiator was leaking under pressure. Never really noticed anything on the ground. Also, make sure you have your thermostat replaced.

Dave