This morning I went out the Firehawk (1995); I noticed after driving I was losing power steering- turns out there was a coolant leak onto the belt and, as the PS pump has the "smooth side" of the serpentine, the water was allowing the belt to slip there. I assumed it was the water pump and have torn down to the pump but haven't yet broken into the system (have not removed any hoses or pump yet.

What I noticed was that the water DOES NOT seem to be coming from the weep hole on the pump, but is all over the opti-spark etc.

This car had 14K miles when I got it 5 months ago and now has 23K- I have not had an LT1 before, so I guess I wanted to know whether I should be looking into other leak problems before I go replacing water pumps. I know NOTHING about the opti-spark except it can be defective.

Yesterday the car had trouble finding idle when I cranked it...this may or may not be related.

This is my first post here- any help is appreciated! I've got to get this thing running for work tomorrow!

 

Pressure test the radiator. If you don't have the tester, rent it from Autozone. I chased a leak for weeks before it finally revealed itself, and this is after I pressure tested it, and used dye for head gasket leaks. It turns out the plastic on the passenger side had a crack, and it wouldn't leak until it was good and hot, and pressure had built up. There was no steam, no coolant smell or any other clues, except for a trace of coolant below the radiator cap. I replaced the cap and thought that fixed it, unit the weather turned hot again. Then it finally revealed itself.

 

moparman-

thanks for the reply! I checked everything out...the slippage on the PS belt had me convince ultimately of the water pump as culprit (well, I hope so, I'll find out tomorrow).

'Once had a '70 Challenger 340 4-speed...was the best looking and handling of any of my classics...thanks again!

Benton

 

I am confused, the plastic on the passenger side of what?

 

In reference to the plastic side tank of the radiator.

1995no41: As soon as pressure drops in the system, you won't be able to catch a leak easily. Either use a pressure tester or get it up on ramps and look underneath the pump just after you have gone for a drive. That's the best time to catch the w/p leaking.