January 14, 20188 yr Old work has a water pump leak, has anyone ever tried the stop leak in the bottle sold at auto part stores? If so did it work and what brand do you recommend?
January 14, 20188 yr It only works if the issue is gasket material. 90% of the time a water pump leak is cracked housing, so 1 in 10 chance. But for $5 - $10 take a chance. I've had good luck with Bar's for radiators. Water pump is typically a fairly cheap repair at a good mom & pop service place. Just had one replaced on my Tahoe for $152. That's pump, labor, and coolant.
January 14, 20188 yr Author I was told in those older Toyotas it behind the timing mechanism and it ain't an easy job?
January 14, 20188 yr Typically bars leak and the others end up being a temporary fix that also will clog up and ruin your radiator. I gave bars leak a try once and it stopped the water pump on my jeep from leaking, however within a few months I needed a new radiator as well as a water pump. It clogged the radiator to the point that it built up so much pressure that it blew a golf ball size hole out the side of it.
January 14, 20188 yr Typically bars leak and the others end up being a temporary fix that also will clog up and ruin your radiator. I gave bars leak a try once and it stopped the water pump on my jeep from leaking, however within a few months I needed a new radiator as well as a water pump. It clogged the radiator to the point that it built up so much pressure that it blew a golf ball size hole out the side of it. Actually that is not typical. Releaking is typical. The new stuff won't clog your radiator. Older stuff actually reccomended that you drain and replace your coolant after leak stops. Personally I would still replace the coolant.
January 14, 20188 yr Actually that is not typical. Releaking is typical. The new stuff won't clog your radiator. Older stuff actually reccomended that you drain and replace your coolant after leak stops. Personally I would still replace the coolant. It's been 10+ years since the one time I tried it, so it may be improved these days. I do remember after the radiator busting the mechanic showed me the sludge that was in it prior to replacing it. I was told that it was a common problem with using stuff like bars leak. But again, that was a long time ago, maybe it's not an issue now.
January 14, 20188 yr Kit to replace water pump, timing belt, and all gaskets is $100. Toyota Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump Gates TCKWP199 - GAEEK1 at 1A Auto.com Book rates it as a 3 hr job. How to, if you want to do it. It's not that hard. I would think $350 at a mom & pop.
January 14, 20188 yr Gas oil and fluids are the only things I can do mechanically. Separated at birth.
January 27, 20188 yr Author I know it probably depends on size of the leak, but how far coukd the at be driven to a mechanic? What would be a good way to test or know it's too bad to keep driving?
January 27, 20188 yr I know it probably depends on size of the leak, but how far coukd the at be driven to a mechanic? What would be a good way to test or know it's too bad to keep driving? Just keep adding water watch the temperature if it gets hot pull over let it cool down and add more water.
January 28, 20188 yr I just had one go bad myself this week. I've got the new pump going to repair it tomorrow
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