Water Pump Leak

[2Kchevy]

Last winter I noticed a few drops of coolant on the garage floor now and then, after my truck had been sitting for at least a few days and once the weather got below 40F or so.

Now with this latest cold front we had move through I am once again noticing coolant dripping onto the garage floor.

I traced the leak starting at about the oil filter and followed it up to the water pump, where it appears to be coming from behind the water pump. It appeared that no coolant was leaking from the weep hole at all.

So from the bit of research I have done looks like these 5.3s have a known issue with a leaky water pump gasket.

Based on what I am seeing, can anyone confirm that this is most likely a leaky water pump gasket between the pump and block or head?

The truck has ~100K mi., should I go ahead and replace the water pump?
I found an AC Delco online for ~$80. Is this a good price?

Do I need any special tools for removing the fan clutch?

Thanks.

[banker099]

not a bad idea to replace, you will need a big hammer and pipe wrench to get the clutch fan off

[DUALLS]

Water pump gaskets are a common problem.

[GasGuzzler]

Gaskets are much more common than pumps. I bought my Denali used with no issues but guess what....leak from the weep hole. The pumps are expensive but if you found one you think you can trust for that price, replace it. It's the same amount of work either way....actually it's easy except for the clutch. Hahahahaha I have the special tools AND mine doesn't have a clutch fan any more but you get the idea. Plan on two gallons of DEXCOOL and two gallons of water too.

The upside to the pump replacement is the fact a low temp tstat is a lot cheaper for a new style pump than the old style.....and an ACD pump (new) should have the new style tstat housing.

[2Kchevy]

Thanks for the advice.

I'll probably go ahead and do a flush as well after the new pump is on.

Looks like I've got another project lined up for the holidays. We'll see if I run into any trouble with the clutch.

Thanks.