Water dripping front of engine driver's to left side of Alternator bracket

[TucsonMike]

Hey Everyone,

1999 4Runner limited V6

My son's 4runner started to develop a water leak at front of the motor, passenger side. Hard to tell where it's coming from, but we assume the water pump. Since we don't the history on this vehicle we were going to do timing belt with new water pump etc. We have it apart minus the belt. From what we can tell of water pump we so far don't see signs of leakage. I was wondering if any of the water pump bolts or other bolts go into a coolant jacket and could cause the leak. From all the videos I've seen on this job, I have not noticed people putting sealant on threads for this, so I assume they don't. My worry is we will the timing belt job and still have the leak. Appreciate any advice.

Thanks

MikeM

 

[TucsonMike]

Just realized I said drip was on passenger side.It is on driver's side

Thanks

MikeM

 

[pluton]

The oil cooler is on the driver's side, down low. It has hoses and an internal seal that, like all rubber parts, don't last forever. A possibility.

 

[TucsonMike]

Thanks for the reply. We R putting new hoses on oil cooler as well. I don't think it is coming from there, it more likely from bottom of water pump, just not as obvious as I would think

NijeM

 

[Hungryhawk]

My experience is even a small coolant leak leaves a color streak like the coolant-green, pink etc.
Is there any color stains from this "water" leak?
I assume you do not have plain water in cooling system!

 

[TucsonMike]

Yes we could see the pink colored stains below and near the water pump area and drips, just didn't see any stains on the actual water pump. Hoping it was a bad water pump gasket (paper gasket) and new Aisin pump with metal gasket will fix it. We'll know something this week

Thanks

MikeM

 

[TucsonMike]

Looks like it was a bad water pump gasket. Thanks to all who post awesome videos on how to do these jobs, like Timmy and Sean. I own 3 3rd gens and they have been very helpful for my boys and myself in learning how to work on these vehicles.

MikeM