Leak from water pump

[RossiAJ]

My coolant level was dropping very slightly over the course of a month or so (probably needed 50ml of coolant a month). I took my car in and the mechanic has advised there's a very small leak from the water pump but only whilst the engine is running. Unfortunately he isn't able to get me booked in for a month

My question is...

Is it safe for me to drive the car for the next month whilst checking the coolant level regularly?

Also, if the leak isn't severe. Could I drive it indefinitely without having the repair works done.

I don't drive many miles and every journey is 5 miles or less so I don't imagine the coolant will have chance to drain right down to empty

Thanks in advance

[anonymous-user]

RossiAJ said:

My coolant level was dropping very slightly over the course of a month or so (probably needed 50ml of coolant a month). I took my car in and the mechanic has advised there's a very small leak from the water pump but only whilst the engine is running. Unfortunately he isn't able to get me booked in for a month

My question is...

Is it safe for me to drive the car for the next month whilst checking the coolant level regularly?

Also, if the leak isn't severe. Could I drive it indefinitely without having the repair works done.

I don't drive many miles and every journey is 5 miles or less so I don't imagine the coolant will have chance to drain right down to empty

Thanks in advance

Keep an eye on the level until your garage can fix it properly, not having it fixed could lead to a bigger leak and possible engine failure.

[phumy]

Ive had this before on a BMW E30, about 30 years ago.

Check exactly where the leak is coming from, is it the flange of the pump (the face where it bolts onto the engine block) or is it coming from the shaft seal. The reason for the difference is, mine was from the shaft seal and because i left it as i thought it was ok, it actually washed out the lubrication from bearings and over a month of so the bearing lost all of its lubrication and the bearing seized, the engine overheated and broke the belt too. If its just dripping from the flange face then just monitor it, if it gets worse then itll give you enough time to fix it.

Dont just leave and forget it, it will need foxing as soon as you can. Its an important part of the engine, as it sounds as if youre reluctant to do it anyway.

Fix it asap.

[paintman]

Had a shaft seal fail on mine on the M6 Birmingham during 'smart motorway' time so all lanes incl hard shoulder in use.
Lost nearly all the water very quickly.
Gauge shot all the way up & then dropped back to a low reading.
That plus the smell told me there was a problem.
Fortunately I was almost at the junction I needed anyway & was able to get off the motorway.
Bearing had gone as well.

You might be lucky & it will have a tiny leak for ages but it simply isn't worth the risk.

[RossiAJ]

Thank you all for your feedback.

I will be getting the job done when I can.

Cheers