water pump leak - what's the bottom hole for?

[Greg W]

I just installed my reconditioned 1962 water pump and checked for leaks and one leak remains coming from the hole on the bottom of the water pump.  From the photo closeup taken from underneath there is a green liquid trail that goes to underneath the wpump bottom port where the hose attachs - i notice in that photo also that the lip of the bottom hose is moist and it is from the leak coming from the hole above it on the underside of the wpump.  I'm concerned that to reopen the wpump i'm then gonna chance it leaking from a different spot after it would be resealed for a second time.

What is this hole for and should there be an antifreeze leak outa it??  I haven't turned the car on since installing the pump and the belts are not back on yet- would there be pressure coming outa this hole when i start it up...like will it be squirting out in this condition if i start it??

Will i have to dismantle and again open up the pump to reseal it's innerd's??

So as not to dismantle could i instead
silicone the hole shut?

or weld the hole shut?

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Greg,
The leak through the vent hole in your pump is caused by the pump leaking.  The pump's seal is not functioning correctly.  If this is a rebuilt pump from a reputable supplier they should give you a replacement.  If you used a pump "rebuild" kit, chances are the shaft was scored, bent or something else was either initially or installed out of tolerances.
Greg

[TedSled66]

Greg,
The leak through the vent hole in your pump is caused by the pump leaking.  The pump's seal is not functioning correctly.  If this is a rebuilt pump from a reputable supplier they should give you a replacement.  If you used a pump "rebuild" kit, chances are the shaft was scored, bent or something else was either initially or installed out of tolerances.
Greg

Correct... That hole is there for a reason. It is to release "blow by" water. That is the first sign of a waterpump's bearing /seal going out. If it is a newly purchased pump, it is most likely faulty and should be returned.

Good luck Greg.

TedSled

[Mike Josephic CLC #3877]

The technical name for that hole under the pump is called a "weep hole".  It
gives the packing and / or bearing seal of the pump a way to relieve excessive
pressure.  However, if the hole is leaking enough on a newly rebuilt pump that
you can easily notice it (follow the antifreeze trail) then your seal isn't
right and the rebuild may have not been a quality job.

Grab the fan blade in your hands (engine off of course!) -- do you feel any
play in the shaft -- does the fan have any "wiggle" to it?  Another sign of
a bad bearing.

Bottom line -- bad rebuilds are more common than you might think!  I've
had my share over the years from the "auto parts stores" on my drivers.
Once one failed (on a '78 AMC) after just 200 miles.  I'm very picky as to
where I buy my rebuit parts now.

If you still have your original pump, send it to a guy like Arthur Gould who has
been rebuilding Cadillac pumps for many years -- he'll do it right.  He's in
Hemming's.  He's rebuilt several for me and they come back rock solid.

Mike