pmhottle46

Since changing-out the radiator, hoses, etc., I've been losing a pint to half-pint of coolant a day (70 mile commute)...I finally found the leak! There appears to be a small leak in the seal where the water pump mates to the block....Won't know, for sure 'til I tear into it a bit but: If it IS just the seal. should I replace the pump, too? Also, why is the top of the radiator warm-to-hot (as one would expect) but the bottom is cool to the touch?
Feeling dumb,
Paul

moremazda

iTrader: (4)

The top of your radiator is hot because that is were the water return is from the motor is, the bottom is cool because the hot water flows down the radiator, cooling off, and then back into the motor via the feed hose (bottom hose) to cool the motor, where it heats up again, and yada yada yada..........

If your water pump does not make any noise and does not have any movement (ie up and down, or in and out), and the vains are not damaged then it sould be okay, but if you have the money to replace it, you might as well since you are already there!

Good luck!!!

Ryan

Ev7

Well yes, change the water pump since you are there, they are not that expensive, and you sound like dont really now how old it is. If your radiator is hot on the top and cooler on the bottom (assuming your radiator is NOT plugged up and causing your car to overheat) it just means that your radiator is just fine. Its radiating the heat out off the incoming hot water on the top ,radiating the heat out, and flowing it out thru the bottom.
Just feeling like if I know it all.
Ev7

pmhottle46

Good advice, as always! I figured the temp. difference meant that the rad is working as it should but couldn't quite wig-out whether it was top-hot/botton-cool or the other way around...Makes sense now that you've confirmed for me. Again, thanks!

Keaponlaffen

Heat rises... hot goes to the top, cool to the bottom...

Jeff