Coolant Leak

[CREWZIN]

Anthony, welcome to the forum.

The head gasket is fixed from the front of the car whereas the timing belt and water pump is accessed threw the passenger wheel well. There's probably a couple things that co-inside with doing both jobs but not much. Hopefully someone from your side of the border can give you an estimate on the added cost.

[rcalzadilla]

My 2001 PT has 75,000 miles. Has started to leak from the passenger side of the engine where the water pump is. There are no leaks anywhere else that one could view in such a crowded space.
Please try to ascertain that it is the head basket and not the water pump.
I am presently trying a radiator stop leak product by Bars and it has reduced the leak significantly.
I contacted Bars and they say that this product is not designed to work on water pump-shaft seal, that it may improve my problem because the product also contains lubricant for the water pump seal.

A water-pump replacement requires getting into an area of the engine that merits replacing other components. I have a list of these components, if you want it. Parts would be around $350 to $500 and it would not need to be done until another 100k to 120k miles but it is required service.

I am not a mechanic but like to be informed.

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by rcalzadilla

Please try to ascertain that it is the head basket and not the water pump.

Yea, them head baskets can be a pain to change.

[dsmturbo]

I can smell antifreeze from around passenger's side of our 2001, and it appears that at some point it was leaking near the thermostat housing or temp sending unit, as it appears corroded. however I can see no leakes at all, just smell it.
I hope it is not the heater core or head gasket.

[dsmturbo]

Originally Posted by dsmturbo

I can smell antifreeze from around passenger's side of our 2001, and it appears that at some point it was leaking near the thermostat housing or temp sending unit, as it appears corroded. however I can see no leakes at all, just smell it.
I hope it is not the heater core or head gasket.

Where the heck did they hide the heater core?

[CREWZIN]

Originally Posted by dsmturbo

Where the heck did they hide the heater core?

[rcalzadilla]

My diagnosys about my leak is correct, the water pump was the culprit.
Remember that is said my leak was on the passenger side and couldn't see where it came from
Found a back yard mechanic with equipment and about 60 yrs old under his belt. Would you believe I paid $250.00; did not disconnect the a/c and I had him replace the following, which I purchased at Advance Auto:
-Timing Belt
-Timing Belt Component Kit made by MOPAR (was sealed, in a new box). This
consists of Camshaft Belt Tensioner,Camshaft Belt Idler, 3 Plastic engine
covers which replace the original ones.
-Camshaft oil seals, which were dry, 2 pc
-Cranchshaft oil seal, which required heating to remove and was leaking, 1 pc
-Water Pump.
Total parts cost: $291.57 with a mechanic's discount.
Oh! How do I know he changed the parts? I asked for him to give me back pulled parts as part of our agreement.

The car is runnig great! Milage: 75,000

[Hooligan]

Sounds like you found a winner, does he like beer?? If, so, a case may be in order.

[rcalzadilla]

I'm considering giving him another $20.00 for beer, after a fiew days of driving the car.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by rcalzadilla

Would you believe I paid $250.00;
Total parts cost: $291.57 with a mechanic's discount.

So, your total was $291.57 + $250.00 ? That's below the previous bargain low I saw of $750 for just the timing belt!
Treat the guy to a good dinner!