Another car question: A leaky water pump

[TZ]

The place I took my car that is putting in my alternator is now saying that I have a badly leaky water pump. Not sure I am not getting played here so I want to take my car elsewhere after the alternator is put in to go somewhere else for an evaluation (oh and they are saying 50 for the pump and 115 in labor..) Is it okay to drive my car for awhile? Outside of my battery light going on, I have NOT noticed any other problems driving..:shrug:

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Check the coolant in that big plastic jug and add some...

if it needs it. Other than that, if there's a real problem, the car will overheat and your temp guage or light will go whacky. You'll klnow there's a problem.

Charges sound about right to replace a water pump, and they do eventually wear out and leak. That tends to happen between 100-150,000 miles, but could happen earlier.

[Kucinich4America]

2. If you must get it replaced, have them replace the timing belt also

Assuming it is a belt and not a chain. Timing belts and water pumps have approximately the same life expectancy, and you have to remove all the same things to get to it, so it comes down to replacing two parts for one labor charge. Any reputable mechanic (if there are any left) will probably suggest this .

Problem with water pumps going out during the winter..... if it dies completely, your heater/defroster will blow out cold air. As you can probably guess, this happened to me before, and while I was able to keep the car running by pouring water in the radiator, it would run out so fast that I would have to drive down the road steering with one hand while scraping the ice off the inside of my windshield with the other.

[Wcross]

3. It seems about right for a water pump.

Have them SHOW you the leak. If it is indeed leaking have it replaced. Better to do it now than have a breakdown this summer.

[CGowen]

4. Normally the water pump is in the engine, when there is not enough water

to cool the system the pump gets destroyed, because the plastic parts will melt or break.
So having enough water and anti-freeze is important.

I'm not sure but changing a seal ring could do the trick, too.