Replacing water pump

[ArizonaRanger]

So today I came back to my car after shopping, and found damn near all of my coolant on the ground. I headed back into the store, bought some coolant and started pouring it in... and it came pouring out just as fast. I limped home and checked it out, and it looks like it's coming from the water pump weep hole.

I figure a water pump isn't too much money, so I'll go ahead and replace the whole thing, but my question is this: is there a gasket/seal there that I should replace too? And what else should I check/replace while I've got things off?

Also, any tips or pitfalls to know about would be appreciated Thanks!

 

[Flat_Bottom]

IIRC, I have never seen a water pump seal other than a bead of silicone. This was on my chevy's so im not fully sure but if it does have one it should be in the box. If it were me, I would replace your thermostat and belts while your at it.

 

[truckerdawg]

IDK but weep holes do not usually pour out that much. Maybe a hose or where it connects rusted out. But yes they do have gaskets for H20 pumps and yes some people just use sealant instead. For your fan know your thread direction-may not be RHT. It is quick to pull the radiator and shroud out, too.

 

[shane96ranger]

Whenever it comes pouring out like that, I'd pay extra close attention to the timing chain cover.

Most pumps will come with a gasket included, but I always use a sealer with it. My preference is Permatex Form-a-Gasket #2.

 

[ArizonaRanger]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I replaced the water pump, used the gasket that came with it plus some coolant specific RTV, and replaced the belts while I was there. I bought a new thermostat and gasket/ring for it, but time constraints meant no time to do it now. Another weekend I suppose. Damn that fan clutch nut was on tight! A week later, and no issues, so I got it all (for now)!