That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks, all. As easy as it seems, maybe I'll do a writeup.

I forgot about all you poor saps with slushboxes. :D

The FSM assumes that every thing is in good shape and you don't bust a bolt off or something...

In my experience, the hoses last longer than the radiators. I wouldn't be durprised if 3/4 of all the hoses on my 123 cars are factory original. I don't change them if they are still good. I doubt that any replacements will be as good as the originals.

Tom W

My hoses appear original as well as the clamps. They all looked just fine.

Apply WD 40 or other to the bolts holding the pump in place a couple of times. Make sure the wrench is a good fit so as not to round the heads. Just remove the black plastic fan shroud then the fan to get easy access to the front of the pump. Easy on the bolts. Don't use a pump with a stamped metal impellar. Should be cast either in metal or plastic with a proper curves blades.

Why is this?

I am going to be tearing into the front of the motor tonight/tomorrow as it appears that is where the puddle in the driveway originated from.

I ordered a w/p gasket set from my auto parts store on the off chance its just a gasket issue and not an internal seal issue.

Water pump is simple, housing, bearing, impeller, and a seal. yes? I am hoping its just a gasket failure and not leaking around the shaft.

Does anyone know if there are more factory manuals available? or the same info on CD/DVD?

Thanks.

The cast metal is much stronger and lasts longer thant the stamped out sheet metal.

My rebuilt one from O'Reilly was the cast type.

Another point to make is there are 2 weep holes on these water pumps. One on the top and one on the bottom that you would likely never see or know was there without removing the pump.

I never heard of a weep hole up top. Wouldn't that let grit and other stuff in?

Can't confirm or deny. BUT, FWIW mine has a weep hole on top - the one that's one the car at time of this post. Not sure about the WP I just ordered from NAPA today (made by Gates) but I plan to pick it up tomorrow and then I'll know! :D

Its a dry galley so the hole on top is insignificant. What gets in can get out.