Water Pump in 1984 Isuzu Diesel Motorhome

[Snadi]

Hi,

My husband asked me to ask ya'll how to get to the water pump in a 1984 Isuzu Diesel Motorhome. When the engine is running, antifreeze drips off of the oil pan from somewhere above. He is trying to figure out how to get in there to see where it is coming from. Thanks in advance for your help.

Sandi

[swebster]

Sandi,
Most water pumps have a "weep hole" on the housing which starts dripping coolant when the pump bearings are worn. It could be that, or a loose hose or leaking gasket.

Best view is likely from underneath or from the top of the engine looking down. Might require a flashlight and a mechanic's mirror (a positionable mirror on an extendable pointer) to find the exact source of the leak.

If it's the weep hole it's time to replace the pump (or have it replaced by a qualified mechanic). I've replaced the WP on my 454 (gasser) twice...once from the top (on the road) and once from the front (in the driveway). From the front is definately easier but requires the removal of the grill, AC condensor, radiator, etc. IT's a lot of work but it's a great opportunity to have the radiator pressure tested/repaired, replace all of the belts, hoses and any belt driven accessories that are normally hard to reach when everything is assembled.

It's a longer project to replace from the top/bottom but it require less overall disassembly of the systems.

[cooperhawk]

Better hope it is a loose hose clamp. If not, prepare for skinned knuckles. I would try to do it from on top of the engine. It won't be easy. Most truck part vendors carry the parts as Isuzu is a popular engine. Up her in the frozen Northland it is an outfit called CATCO. Don't know if you have them there, but they are on the web.

[GlenCoombe]

Sandi, sorry to here about your dribbles. In case your husband is not into doing the job himself I've been getting great service from Pritchards' in Sumter. He did my carb a while back and I've found that he's not afraid to get outside and under my coach. Nice guy, second generation, single mechanic shop, and his wife runs the front office. Carb rebuild was less than half the quoted cost of another service guy in town.
Lots of luck. Now I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that part of the reason you're seeing the leak is LACK OF USE!! Gotta keep things moving!!
See you soon.

[Chaplain Kent]

Sandi,
My guess is a hose has dried out. Glen is right these things are meant to be used. The worse wear for an RV is to have it sit unused for a long period of time. Before digging out the water pump I would check all the hoses.