Strange noises from my '90 engine; sound clips available

Is it leaking any coolant?

Ken

I have no clue how a broken water pump sounds, but could you not use a piece of hose or so to pinpoint the sound source? Without getting anything in the moving parts of course. I have one of those stethoscope things from Sears that I would try, though the thing has not helped me much so far.

Just an idea, Leon

I'll give it a try Leon. I'm afraid I may pinpoint the sound area but still not know what it is. I'm handy, but not expert on engines.

Doug

I am saying that there may be leakage due to a leaky water pump. Since the pump is pretty much hidden by the lower timing belt cover, you won't see the coolant easily. It will dribble out the shaft, down the front of the engine and out the bottom of the lower belt cover. If you park in a garage, there will be evidence of dripped coolant on the floor. It won't be directly under the front belt cover, however, as the coolant will drip on the lower engine cover and run out someplace about mid-engine.

Bad water pumps usually squeal. It's hard to descrbe, but you sort of know what it is. If you have a strange squeal accompanied by a loss of coolant, it's probably the pump. My original pump in the '90 Miata gave it up around

Ken

If Doug can get the car up on a lift, he can see the water pump pulley by shining a flashlight up from underneath. Leaking coolant should appear as green droplets or stain on the pump shaft. (BTDT)

I'll give it a shot.

Doug