02 Water outlet housing leak question

[iamweasel]

Noticed that some radiator fluid was coming up out of the water outlet housing bolt closest to the thermostat housing. Will a leaky outlet housing gasket cause that or is it more likely the Water Outlet housing needs to be replaced completely?

 

[96firephoenix]

Both are equally likely. They are notorious for failure, and cheap enough to replace - complete assembly is ~$25.

The seal going bad would be more likely to come out on the top of the water pump than one of the screw holes, but still could be the cause.

I will caution you to apply lots of penetrating oil to the underside of the thru-holes in the flange on the head. In my experience, the one at the very front breaks pretty easily, and it is nigh impossible to remove without damaging the head. Apply Anti-seize compound when you put it back in.

 

[iamweasel]

Thanks very much, I ordered the whole thing. And I appreciate the advice on the penetrating oil.

 

[iamweasel]

Well you are 100% correct the front bolt snapped but not in the threaded part, it seized to the metal sleeve that goes through the plastic body. Very long and slow job but since I was forewarned I wasn't shocked!! Thanks again.

 

[96firephoenix]

Well you are 100% correct the front bolt snapped but not in the threaded part, it seized to the metal sleeve that goes through the plastic body. Very long and slow job but since I was forewarned I wasn't shocked!! Thanks again.

That's...different.

Was your original problem solved with the new housing/seal?

 

[iamweasel]

Yeah, that fixed it and I hope to never have to do that again

 

[96firephoenix]

Yeah, that fixed it and I hope to never have to do that again

Do "future you" a favor, back all three bolts out and lube them up with anti-sieze compound. Buy the jar, not the packet. Coat them like you're trying to cover up a murder.