Water pump leaking

2001 MERCURY MARQUIS
170,000 MILES • 4.6L • V8 • 2WD
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ALEX MC
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Found leak coming from bottom of the water pump. as I’m taking it out and about to put new one in I noticed that on the inside were it goes to the thermostat there was a hole rusted out on the inner side. I’m not sure what's going on or how to fix. No, I have not taken cover off the timing chain to see but just wanted to see how to fix before I do anything else.
Jul 18, 2021 at 3:29 PM
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SQM
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Hello,

So you are seeing rust inside the housing area?
Can you upload a picture of the rusted area?
So we have a better idea of the issue.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/water-pump-replacement

Thank you.
Jul 18, 2021 at 3:36 PM
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ALEX MC
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Can’t see hole still but at that little drop down.
Jul 18, 2021 at 3:51 PM
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SQM
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It appears to be corrosion buildup. Just clean it out with good cleaner. As long the surface is smooth where the pump goes into, should not have any issue. If you have rough edges or dings/dents on the mounting surface then you will have to worry about future leaking.
Jul 18, 2021 at 3:56 PM
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ALEX MC
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Sorry, I said it went to the heads but it goes to the thermostat. does that change anything ?
Jul 18, 2021 at 4:19 PM
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SQM
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Are you changing out the thermostat or housing?
It will probably be a good idea to change that as well. That way you do not have to get into it again.
Let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
Jul 18, 2021 at 4:29 PM
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ALEX MC
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Changing everything but here is a shot video and you still can’t see the spot I’m talking about but close to it. I can’t get my finger in all the way but it’s jagged don’t feel anything but it is open on the other side. If you stop the video at end it’s in the bottom left of the divot (just before going up to the thermostat) is there supposed to be a a opening there is and is just rusty or is there not supposed to be there?
Jul 18, 2021 at 4:41 PM
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SQM
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It just appears to be residue buildup up. From the video I did not see anything unusual.
Just do a good cleaning before putting on the new parts. Also I would recommend a flush after you change out the water pump. That will help clean out the system.

Here is a guide that will help with this:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars
Jul 18, 2021 at 4:51 PM