Water pump leaking at a bad time

[Pyral]

I was turning the crankshaft pully I noticed a red fluid coming from the base of the fan pully (or the water pump pully). I don't remember seeing this leak but my engine is covered in grime from multiple oil leaks, so maybe its not new.

I checked the radiator and the fluid level and I don't see significantly lower levels. This is happening at a really bad time, in less than a week I have to drive my 4runner 1k miles back to college. Once there I wont have time or the resources to do this myself.

I can live with topping off the oil, but a leaking water pump seems more critical. I am also aware that the fan has a fluid coupling component that can potentially leak as well.

How long can I drive with a leaking water pump?

And how long does it take to replace the water pump on a 3rz?

 

[FD7683]

I have the 3.4l but if its a small leak you will probably be fine for a while until you replace the pump but you do have to keep an eye on the reservoir tank and top up every once in a while. Severe case, you shouldn't be driving it until the water pump is replaced.

My OG water pump made it 220k until it got replaced and that thing was a hidden MESS - I don't know how long it has been leaking for but it still ran at operating temp.

 

[JZiggy]

The water pump on the 3RZ is easy. If memory serves you take off the accessory belts and fan clutch and then it’s right there on the front of the motor. You might want to pull the radiator for more room but that’s easy. Get an Aisin unit and you’ll be good to go!

 

[Pyral]

Does the fluid coupled fan clutch often leak on these?

 

[JZiggy]

Probably less likely, but it can also be easily replaced with an Aisin part. You’re taking it off to do the water pump anyway.

 

[Pyral]

I'll add some dye to the coolant. The fan clutch cost about $180, so I want to be sure it is leaking. The water pump definitely is.

That water pump gasket sure has an interesting shape to it.

 

[JZiggy]

I'll add some dye to the coolant. The fan clutch cost about $180, so I want to be sure it is leaking. The water pump definitely is.

That water pump gasket sure has an interesting shape to it.

Water pump = Aisin WPT-044, $47
Fan clutch = Aisin FCT-002, $102

Rockauto prices. Those are OEM equivalent parts.

 

[alumarine]

As far as I know the fan clutch fluid is clear. Not red.
If your fan clutch is working properly it's probably not leaking.

 

[shadow247]

As far as I know the fan clutch fluid is clear. Not red.
If your fan clutch is working properly it's probably not leaking.

This right here. You would know if the fan clutch was not working.

You can do the Water Pump in 2 or 3 hours with basic tools. Don't put this off an risk a catastrophic failure on the road home and risk blowing your engine! I almost blew my 3.4 because I was putting off the timing belt, knowing I had a small leak. Ended up losing way more coolant than I thought and redlining as I was hooking up a Uhaul trailer!

 

[BlackCloud]

I once suffered a leaking water pump in Nebraska while driving x country. Now THAT's a bad time to suffer a breakdown. Anyway, I was able to literally limp 100+ miles into Cheyenne, WY and get it swapped out the next day.