Hey,
FINGERS CROSSED ....My momma has tasked me to change her water pump in her 97 rodeo 3.2 4x4. Before I embark, I was hoping I might find some clarity here. The vehicle got hot but never got too hot. At first, I thought thermostat, but I can hear it open and close when I squeeze the hose leading to it. My mom instantly thought water pump, but she said it wasn't leaking at all prior and in my experience water pumps typically haven't just gone out BOOM outta nowhere, it is usually something I know is coming due to some leaking.
It appears to be leaking from behind the timing chain cover, and it is pouring out as fast as I can pour it in.
BUT... The other at she did have her AC belt snap and I read somewhere that could affect a rodeos cooling system despite the AC belt doesnt also turn the water pump pully, so Im a bit out of my element on that one.
To be honest I havent been thrilled about working on the isuzu since I had to change one of its 3 serpentine belts. But I can't tell mom no, so here I go. Any advice, or possible troubleshooting i can do before I dive in, or any guidance is incredibly appreciated.
Thanks
Ashleigh from California
The water pump is belt driven. Your should buy a full timing kit. It comes with the belt, water pump, tensioner, pulley and seals. The belt and components should be changed every 80,000 give or take 10,000 miles. Make sure your leak isn't coming from the head gasket. Sometimes all it takes is a few seconds of over heating to warp a engine or damage a head gasket. I know you said it didn't get that hot but I would do a combustion leak test just to make sure.
Make sure the fans work as well.. the fans might work with ac on but don't work at all with ac off. That is currently happening to me in my Mercedes. So double check they come on under both conditions.
Harbour freight sells the maddox combustion test kit under 30 dollars. Might what to consider it.
