Earlier this year, I bought a 2001 Toyota Camry LE 2.2L four cylinder with 143,000 miles. The body is undamaged and as far as I can tell, the oil has always been changed on schedule over the life of the vehicle. Some of the other maintenance was neglected but there is a Gates sticker indicating the timing belt was changed in 2016 at 126,000 miles.
The there is a small amount of moisture in the weep hole but no visible dripping. I was able to shove a Q-Tip in there and it came out moist. The water pump is aftermarket, I can tell because it is not exactly the same as the original Aisin. My researches indicate that unless there is actual dripping, the water pump does not need to be changed. I should add, I believe that the vehicle sat without being driven for as long as three years.
Does the pump need to be changed. I think not. My friend who is a Dr. Doom type insists that it is due to fail. What's the real story?
I saw that video. I do my research first. I would like to hear Scotty's expert opinion. My thought it, well, watch it and if it gets worse, then get a new pump.
In the bad old days of cast iron engines, I used to speak of "do-it-yourself sucker repairs." Changing a water pump that doesn't need changing could be one of them.
This is straight from the horse's mouth. Gates manufactures water pumps. It doesn't get any more expert than that.
There also was a leak apparently caused by an improperly torqued bolt. I have to see if that leak has stopped and then see if coolant continues to be lost. Changing the water pump is not a hard job on this model but a complete Gates component kit was installed when the timing belt was changed in 2016. It has the sticker and you only get the sticker with a complete component kit.
All the Gates video can tell you is that a small leak might not be a problem. But there are cases where it could be, as in when the bearing is failing. That why I'm working on the issue.
Not only is it not a problem, but it's how a water pump is supposed to work. A bit of moisture is required to make the seal work properly!
If you're paranoid about the bearing then take off the belt and wiggle the pulley.
The leak is an early warning that it needs to be replaced. Make sure the bolts that need sealer on them are sealed, if any. Torque to specs.
