Coolant pump seepage, 6V92TA ..?

[bobk]

The port 6V92TA (425 HP) has developed a slight seepage between the bottom of the circulating pump and the housing that it bolts to. The coolant finds its way down to the drain petcock on the lowest casting. The seepage appears to be coming from a gasket. All bolts are too tight to move with a ratchet so presume torqe is not an issue. Is this likely to be just a gasket or could there be a bigger problem?

Also, we are in the Keys and will leave in 9 days for a four day trip home. Can I wait on repairs, or is this serious enough that I need to get a Keys ($$$) mechanic on it right away?

Bob

PS, I can get pictures if it will help

 

[MikeP]

Most circulating water pumps have a weep hole that allows water to seep out IF the seal is going bad. This is intentional to alert you of that fact since the seepage will continue for a long time before any serious problem occurs.

Check to be sure that the seeping you are observing is NOT originating at that hole. IF it is, the seal (or the pump, depending on whether it's a rebuildable pump) will need to be replaced.

If the seeping is NOT from the weep hole, then it most likely is a gasket/sealing issue. The fact that the bolts are tight does not mean anything. It could stiil be the gasket.

 

[REBrueckner]

As Mike's post implies, it is not likely an emergency issue..just keep an eye on it until you have a convenient time to have repairs/rebuilds...

 

[bobk]

Here is the damndest thing. The seepage has stopped once I got underway. It looks like it started after sitting for weeks, but there is nothing after about 25 hours running over three days.

I took a good look at the source with a light and cannot be sure if it is from the weep hole, or the gasket. The next run will be 1000 miles or so. What-to-do, what-to-do???

Bob

 

[REBrueckner]

Could be that engine heat is drying the minor weep before it gets down where you can see it....after the engine sits at ambient temperature for a few days see if the weep reappears...