Water leaking out from side of engine

ANSWER : Using a small, articulated (flexible) inspection mirror (just an inch or so of mirror is all you need), and adequate bright lighting, attempt to view the weep hole (about 1/8 inch diameter hole) on the bottom of the water pump behind the pulley. A tiny bit of water is allowed to come from that hole, every now and then, but if it is obvious that water is "streaming" from the hole, that signifies the pump will have to be replaced. To request replacement of the pump (with no diagnostic fee), please simply use YourMechanic’s water pump replacement service page. Once on that page, please click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model). If the leak is not at the water pump weep hole, and you cannot otherwise identify the leak origin, please instead use YourMechanic’s coolant leak diagnostic service page and the responding certified mechanic will come to your location, get the leak identified and repair it. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. The leak that you are seeing could be from a coolant hose that is either loose or split. Also the coolant leak could be coming from a core plug (freeze plug). The best way to track a leak is to put coolant dye into the radiator, drive the vehicle for a couple of miles, and then pressure test the system. Use a black light and yellow glasses to see a neon glow. This will help you locate your leak. If you need further assistance with locating a coolant leak, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

ANSWER : Hi…thank you for your questions. If required in the application, a portable engine support bar is used to support an engine during mount replacement. The support bar has lifting capability as well so that the mount can be unloaded and removed. If a particular repair application requires a "crane" (complete engine removal for instance), such are portable these days in any event. With regard to the exhaust system repair, mechanics use ramps to gain access. Six ton portable jack stands will safely support a car two feet into the air which provides more than enough access to repair or replace any exhaust system component. If you desire replacement of the mounts, please refer to YourMechanic’s motor mount replacement service page. For exhaust leaks, please use the exhaust system inspection/repair page page. Once on each of those service pages, if you click on "Get a Quote" and enter your vehicle information (year, make, model) you can obtain cost info and schedule the service. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

ANSWER : Hi there. It’s quite possible that this is a rear oil seal or oil pan gasket that is leaking; or perhaps a transmission oil tube seal that is leaking. The problem with trying to diagnose an oil leak is that typically the oil tends to spray onto different components underneath the vehicle. You might want to have a professional mechanic complete an oil leak inspection to help you locate the source of the leak and recommend the right repairs.

ANSWER : First off, I would say it would be best to pressure test the cooling system to verify where the coolant is coming from. With the complexity of repairs to the cooling system on this vehicle, it may be worth the time spent to pressure test the system before tackling the replacement. Now then, as far as replacing the o-ring seal on the water pump inlet tube, it should really only require the removal of the bypass hose, lower radiator hose, and the two (or three, depending on manufacturing changes) mounting bolts that hold the inlet tube to the block. I personally would go ahead and replace the tube while I was there, instead of just the o-ring. Granted, this doesn’t mention what it will take to get down to the inlet pipe, but this is all it should take once you have access to it. If this is something that you feel you could use a hand with, consult with a certified mechanic, like those available at YourMechanic.com.

ANSWER : Hi there. I think it may be a good idea to find a new mechanic. Fortunately, our mobile mechanics are able to complete most diagnostic inspections and complete a lot of repairs services at your location, and on your schedule. In what you are describing above, the current issue seems to be with your EVAP system, which is designed to relieve pressure in the fuel tank and also collect harmful vapors before they escape into the air. Now, in regards to the car "blowing up"; that’s a bit dramatic, but it is important to have your issues repaired if it’s related to the EVAP system. Here is what I would recommend. Set up an appointment to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location to complete a check engine light inspection – (click here to set up an appointment). This will allow them to download the stored error codes that cause the light to illuminate and determine what parts need repair or replacement. Then, they’ll be better prepared to provide you with a repair estimate and complete the repairs in most cases for you.

ANSWER : Hi There,
Yes, we can fix coolant and oil leaks. Generally, if you are noticing a water leak, this would be coming from the radiator, water pump or any of the radiator hoses around the motor that may be going to or from the radiator. Generally, when a water pump is going bad, you may hear a bit of a whining sound combined with the pump leaking. The most common place for the water pump to leak from is the pulley shaft seal which is in the front of the pump where the shaft comes out of the pump housing. When the pump is leaking, it will typically cause the engine to overheat as well. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and replace your water pump.

ANSWER : There is a Technical Service Bulletin (T-SB-0117-11, dated 1 Sep 2011) that addresses this issue, though not necessarily the fix. The bulletin advises that debris can get caught in the water pump causing a temporary leak of coolant out of the water pump weep hole and that once the debris is clear the leak should seal itself. The one problem you have though, is there is no way to know if that is happening with your vehicle, and since engines don’t respond well to overheating your best bet is to have the vehicle pressure tested by a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to see if there is indeed a leak. Also consider a coolant flush to dislodge any debris that is in the system. If the leak persists, your only other option is to replace the water pump, but it is a far cheaper repair than to replace your engine due to continuous overheating. While I agree that this is early for a water pump to fail, the environment can take a serious toll on the sturdiest of vehicles.