MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
I have replaced my water control valve hoping to solve my coolant leak. It did for the most part, but I am still getting a leak from the water pump I think. Just need confirmation on this. If so, would you just replace the gasket? Or order a new one.
Here is a pic from underneath where I think it is originating.
Jeremy
If the water pump is leaking, it's most likely bad; replace it.
SHORT VERSION:
The seal inside the pump is seeping and the coolant is coming out of the weep hole that vents the cavity between the two bearings.
Replace the pump with one that has a CAST IRON impeller.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
LONG VERSION:
Now would be the perfect time to run some cooling system flush through the engine before you take the old pump off.
This is sort of involved, but if you do it right one time you won't have to do it all again for several years.
Open the heater water valve.
Get the engine fully warmed up.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose at the radiator and drain the system.
Allow the engine to cool.
Re-attach the hose.
Refill the system with about two quarts of plain water.
Dump in a container of cooling system flush, available at every parts house.
Continue to fill the system until the radiator is full.
Fire the engine up and let it idle for a few minutes.
Shut the engine down.
Allow the thing to stand for ten minutes before topping up the water again.
Drive the car for at least ten miles, fifty is better. :-)
Drain the system as completley as you can again.
Pull the thermostat house and replace the thermostat and gasket, especially important if there has been ANY indication of overheating.
Ditto on the temp sender if heating has happened.
Replace the water pump.
Replace all of the hoses, both radiator and both heater. Use good quality hoses and new clamps that are sized correctly. Do not use larger clamps and turn them down to somehting smaller than they are supposed to be.
Pour in the proper antifreeze solution and allow to stand for a few minutes. Top up if needed.
Fire the engine up and let it idle with the radiator cap off for a few minutes and then shut it down.
Top up the radiator with the correct solution.
Install a NEW radiator cap of the correct depth and release pressure.
Fire the engine up again and allow it to warm up.
Look for any signs of coolant leaks.
Go for a ride, perhaps fifteen or twenty miles.
Allow the engine to cool so that the cap can be safely removed.
Check the coolant level. It should be covering the radiator core but not way up in the filler neck.
That's is it.
Jack
