I replaced the water pump and timing set (mitsumo ebay) when I put a 95ej22 into my 99 outback about 40'000 miles ago. Recently smelled coolant and noticed what appeared to be a leak from the WP seal. I pulled the WP and replaced the seal that showed no signs of leaking (new Subaru seal). I damaged the bypass hose, so that was replaced as well as a new Stant thermostat and Subaru thermostat gasket.. After driving it for a week or two I am still noticing a drip or two of coolant in the same area (right at one of the machined fins on the WP near the thermostat housing. I cleaned the area and watched it. I swear that it appears to be seaping out of the casting, it is dry above and below the area where the drop forms.

 

Has anyone else seen anything like this?

 

Thanks

Anthony

I've heard of aluminum castings being porous before, and even saw a few Saab engine blocks replaced under warranty for coolant leaks when I was working at the dealer.

 

What brand of water pump did you get with the kit?

I got the pump with the ebay kit. It's been to long to remember the actual brand, but it was cheap.... (Could be the problem).

I ordered one kit with the cheapo pump and threw out the pump because it just looked like crap.

I make sure to buy the Aisin water pumps because they're much better quality.