I own a '83 Eldo with the 4.1L V-8, Auto with 27,500 Miles.

I am a rookie at all this.

The coolent is going down, no question. I can see "Green" Anti-Freeze behind the water pump and along the intake manifold.

My Question??? Assuming the Water Pump "Gasket" is leaking, is there any way to check to make sure that either the head gaskets or minifold gaskets are not leaking also. The Oil is good, no sign of any contamination.

What has been your experience with this. Are the 4.1L known for Water Pump leaks?

I can fix the water pump & gasket, but would hope & Pray the head gaskets or manifold gaskets are not leaking.

How many hours does a qualified tech need to change out the water pump, I can then add 2 1/2 times that for my inexperience.

Thank you,

Equalizer in Big Sky

 

Water pumps and intake gaskets on long. style 4100 is time consuming. Thermostat housing and bypass pipe is the hardest part. To do water pump P/S pulley has to come off. If water pump is leaking - coolant should not be near intake. Bypass pipe or intake gasket leak will be above and away from water pump. Time wise all day to all weekend.

 

Thank you!!!!

I can see coolant behind water pump and some coolant on the leading edge of the intake manafold.

If intake manafold is leaking then it will have to go to a qualified mech. If I understand you correctly the coolant I see is NOT coming from the water pump.

Can I get away with just adding coolant from time to time or is this going to get worse over time and cause more damage?

Does the 4.1L have a history of intake manifold leaking coolant???

 

FWD I assume ?

I just changed my water pump last weekend, 4100 FWD Allante. The main trick is to loosen the bolts for the water pump pulley BEFORE you take down the belt and thighten them AFTER you install the belt.

Other than that, take your time. My 2 hr job took me 6+ hrs, due to unexpected complications.
Dont use wrenches to start screws or bolts .. you'll be sorry.

Now that I said that, coolant along the intake manifold from water pump? I dont get it. Unless the fans are blowing the coolant up there. Maybe the upper RAD hose and/or thermostat housing?

before you start, clean the engine, start her up and inspect with a bright light while running and coolant is under pressure.

I wouldnt do anything until you do the clean, inspect and verify.

also, regardless of what you find, change the coolant & add the supplement (see our FAQ section) .. ASAP .. if it is over 2 years old, the head gaskets are at risk.

 

Car is fwd, however engine doesn't sit sideways. Early 4100s have a variety of leak concerns including intake gaskets leaking coolant. Stealth is correct you want to find out what is leaking. A simple pressure test should reveal source of leak. Test should cost approx 30.00 or auto parts store may rent or loan you tester.