Scraping sound, no heat, coolant leaked all over the passenger side of the engine

1996 DODGE CARAVAN

250,000 MILES • 3.3L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

REDCRU777

MEMBER
84 POSTS
FOLLOW

Hello,

Two days ago, the serpentine belt started making a mild squeaking sound that comes and goes (I was planning to replace later today).

This morning as I was driving, the squeaking sound got louder plus there was a loud metal-like scraping sound, and the heater stopped working, the water temp needle points to max and the water temperature light is on.

When I checked the engine compartment, the coolant leaked all over the passenger side of the engine.

I suspect a failed water pump.

If you think this is so, please advice as to how I can replace it myself.

Thank you.

Rey

Dec 18, 2020 at 2:33 PM

CARADIODOC

CERTIFIED EXPERT
34,306 POSTS

The 3.3L engine is one of the easiest to do that job on. There may be a plastic shield to remove first, then, these are the instructions for removing the water pump.

The three pulley bolts and the five pump bolts are 10mm. I like to add a small bead of gasket sealer to the o-ring, just to be safe. Don't get carried away when tightening the pump bolts. They're going into aluminum. Hand snug with a 1/4" ratchet and socket is sufficient.

As a side note, I never use the drain in the radiator to remove the coolant. Pull the lower radiator hose instead. There were instances where the plastic seat in the radiator would crack when the plug was twisted back in, then there'd be a drip about once every five seconds. Better to just leave it undisturbed.

(Drawing 1)
REMOVE
1. Drain Cooling System.
2. Remove Accessory Drive Belt.
3. Remove right front lower fender shield.
4. Remove pump pulley bolts and remove pulley.
5. Remove pump mounting screws Remove pump.

(Drawing 2)

6. Remove and discard O-ring seal.
7. Clean O-ring groove and O-ring surfaces on pump and chain case cover. Take care not to scratch or gouge sealing surface.

INSPECT

NOTE: Replace the water pump if it has any of the following defects.

1. Damage or cracks on the pump body.
2. Coolant leaks; if the seal is leaking, evident by traces of coolant leaks from vent hole.
3. Loose or rough turning bearing.
4. Impeller - rubs either the pump body or chain case cover.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Dec 18, 2020 at 2:57 PM