My 97 2.5 Outback is leaking coolant and it looks like it's coming from inside the timming chain cover.Any ideas would be very helpful.

Collins

the car has a belt, not chain. probably coming from the water pump. have it looked at soon, as if the pump siezes, it will break the belt, which will destroy the engine...

thanks Skip,I put a new water pump last fall so thats why I'm shocked about this problem.

Well, the WP would be anyone's first guess but it is hard to believe if it was replaced recently. You'll have to go in there to confirm I guess but, could this be a head gasket external leak out the 'front' ?

Originally posted by 1 Lucky Texan

Well, the WP would be anyone's first guess but it is hard to believe if it was replaced recently. You'll have to go in there to confirm I guess but, could this be a head gasket external leak out the 'front' ?

 

I would guess that water pump or its gasket (or the thermostat gasket) is leaking. But you are also due (or past due) for radiator and heater hose replacement.

 

It is possible that the water pump internal seal has failed and the coolant is coming from the water pump drip hole, was the pump a rebuilt one? I don't like the rebuilt water pumps, especially since I can get a brand new one for only $10-20 more.

 

Did you do your regular coolant changes (2 years/30,000 miles) and use a good coolant and add water pump lubricant? Old coolant, and coolant without sufficient lubricating properties will wear the water pump seal very quickly.

Well,I should have given you guys the history on this outback.Last year I had an overheating prob.and it turned out to be a head gasket.But,before i found that out I replaced the radiator,water pump,timming belt,hoses etc. Not sure if the water pump was a rebuilt.

I have a bad feeling that that head gasket could be the trouble.

 

Thanks for all the help