hose or water pump details

[TX82FIAT]

Folks, I've reviewed a few of the threds on water pump failure and replacement. I may need to just replace the water pump. However, I don't think it is the pump and wanted to get the opinion of some of the people with years of experience. After a spirited drive the other day I did a post ride inspection and found a little coolant on the passenger side of the engine block. I traced it back up to what I thought was where the heater pipe joining to the water pump. Cleaned everything up and ran the car again for a few minutes. Only this time it appeared as if the leak was coming from where the hose attached to the water pump above right next to where the heater pipe connects. Cleaned it up again and put a good amount of talc powder around the heater pipe fitting and where the hose joins to the water pump. From the talc powder i could see the leak started at the top of where the hose connects to the water pump (highest point of hose or apex) and then the coolant would flow down where the heater pipe connect to the water pump and drip from the bolt onto the block.

Water pump makes no noise. V belt has about 1/2 inch of play. Water pump only has about 3000 miles on it as do the hoses and the timing belt. She does not run hot. Seems simple enough to assume the problem is with the hose. has anyone experienced a leak similar to this and it was the water pump.

I'm wondering if the pressure in the system can mis-represent where the leak really is. I'm trying to figure out if I should just order a new water pump. i hate to have it sitting on a shelf for two or three years if it is just a leaking hose.

Thoughts, Thanks, Ray

[azruss]

usually if the waterpump is going bad, it leaks from the pulley shaft seal. sounds like you need to replace the hose. even if they look good from the outside, they can have internal cracks that can leak past the clamp. the flange to the heater is always difficult to get sealed on these cars as well. this usually requires pulling the pipe and taking a flat file and filing the flange flat and reconnecting with a new gasket.

[TX82FIAT]

Turns out it was the heater pipe connection to the water pump. Filed flat the pipe end/ears, made a new gasket and used a thin layer of sealant around bolt holes and water passage hole. So far so good after a few heating fan cycles. PITA with my big hands to disassemble pipe and reassemble including center support bracket under manifold.