Water Pump mistake please advise

I recently had my timing belt changed at the dealer. I am an idiot, simple as that because I didn't get my waterpump changed as well. I told them if their are no signs of the pump leaking to leave it alone. They told me the pump looked fine. 4 days later I returned to the dealer because of a coolant smell. They took it back looked at it and said they could not find any leaks. I have the service report they gave me. This weekend (4 months later) I changed my oil. The bottom of the engine is covered in antifreeze. I will be going back to the dealer when I get home. Does the waterpump have to come off during the timing belt change? I think they screwed up the pumps seal. Any guesses on what they will tell me?

Thanks

 

thats why you should do it as long as your in there..its a 50/50 shot something will leak

 

I know, I won't make that mistake again. What a poor design having the pump driven off of the timing belt. Why didn't they use an accessory belt?

 

You need to get this dealt with right away. When oil mixes with ethylene glycol, it turns into a very thick sludge that will clog your oil passages. If that happens, it is time for a new engine (or a complete cleaning during the rebuild).

 

Do you have the 3.4L?

If yes..then ... NO, the water pump does not get removed to change only the timing belt.

Here's a write-up on how to change the water pump only on a 3.4L.

http://www.lieblweb.com/tacoma/Mechanical/WaterPump/WaterPump.htm

More often - the gasket that seals the water pump to the block wears /leaks. Atleast, that's what mine did. The actual pump/bearings were fine. Don't forget to change the thermostat too!

 

I think you mean the outside of the engine was covered in anti freeze?? but I would get it looked at as soon as you can, good luck

 

Yes, it is the V6. I'm going to see what the dealer says before I try the water pump diy, which is probably the route I will take if I have to.
Thanks for the link and the info.
Greatly apprieciated!

 

You should have had it done with the T-belt. This is definitely one of those Murphy's laws kind of deals. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you're basically gonna pay to do the T-belt all over again.

If you declined the work, the dealers not gonna eat the labor, especially on a 3.4 water pump. As a Toyota tech, I ALWAYS say do 'em both at the same time, and this is why.

 

Phew!

 

X2
You should also look at the cam and cranks seal's while you or they are in there.

 

you may need a new timing belt again cause if any coolant got on the belt its bad and they say to change it.