Possible coolant leak at water pump; timing belt replaced 35K miles ago

So...my truck has been leaking coolant and as best as I can tell, it’s coming from the vicinity of the timing belt cover. I had the timing belt and water pump replaced, on schedule, 35K miles ago. The truck is going in for diagnostic work.

If the water pump or water pump gasket is the source of the leak, would it be unreasonable to ask for a discount of some sort to have the issue fixed? It shouldn’t be leaking after 35K miles. It is going to the same mechanic who did the timing belt and water pump.

 

IMO part failure doesn’t warrant discount after 35k miles; Now, that is unless that pump comes with “limited lifetime warranty”, which off the top of my head I feel like most I’ve done, do, and in that case the pump/gasket should have no cost as it’ll just be warrantied. The mechanic should still be paid in full, I don’t see anyway mechanic error would have caused it to fail this far down the road.

 

If its the gasket, can you snug-up the bolts.

 

Isn’t the pump a paper gasket? Snugging bolts up wouldn’t have the same effect as for something like the valve covers.

 

5vz:
-OEM uses aluminum gasket with rubber insert
-Generic brand uses paper gasket

Not sure about 2/3rz....

 

Guessing they didn't use OEM parts? The aftermarket paper gaskets are junk and slapping a bunch of RTV on either side as most mechanics seem to do doesn't help. I'd replace it with an OEM pump with the metal/rubber gasket.

 

It all depends just what the failure is .

You might get a defective part replaced Labor not going to happen unless you can prove beyond a doubt the mechanic made a mistake.

In which if they fight who knows your truck sits in limbo till it is decided .I had a friend with a case like this till it was done took two years He won but the vehicle was complete scrap at this point.

 

So, the invoice from the work done shows the timing belt kit used is manufactured by Import Direct:

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...iming-belt-kit-with-water-pump/24489k/4350065

I explicitly told the mechanic doing the work that I wanted OEM parts used for the timing belt replacement. I couldn’t say whether or not Import Direct is known for making water pumps that are just as good as OEM. The mechanic I use has a good reputation and I trust his judgement.

I’m hoping the leak isn’t from the water pump, and is a simple fix. But if it is the water pump, which I suspect it is, I’m going to be pretty disappointed that he didn’t use something like an Aisin unit.

 

A little late, but pretty much all the reputable shops down here guarantee parts and labor for 3yrs.
Also maybe he didn't actually put the pump on, who knows

 

I don’t know why people put on after market part on these engines?

Import Direct is not OEM that I’m aware of.

If you put aftermarket parts including a paper gasket it’s a risk you take trying to save a buck and past the mechanic warranty parts zone.

 

I explicitly told the mechanic I wanted OEM parts installed *for this exact reason.* The original and second water pumps both lasted for the duration of the timing belt replacement interval (90K miles). I wanted the same out of the latest one installed, obviously.

So, if it is the water pump, should he replace it free of charge since he put in this Import Direct pump instead of an Aisin one? I suppose I should have said something as soon as I picked up the truck and discovered he didn’t use an Aisin unit. But again, I trusted his judgment.

Not mad at you, 1997tacomav6. I agree with what you’re saying.

 

FYI 1 year/12,000 miles is industry standard.

 

My original timing belt is going strong at 250,000 never been apart.

One of those things your going to find out when it gets torn apart

 

So, just a little update. The water pump’s paper gasket was the source of the leak and an assistant who did some of the work failed to prep both sides of it with RTV. The mechanic admitted that he should have used an Aisin/Toyota timing belt kit if that’s what I asked for. He redid the whole job, free of charge, using the proper parts this time.

Sometimes, things just go wrong when cars are worked on. It’s how the situation is remedied that counts. Very pleased with this outcome and I’ll continue to give this particular mechanic my business. He did say that he’s used timing belt kits and water pumps from this aftermarket manufacturer with no issues, but conceded the installation was not done properly.

 

WOW! I'm glad you got it fixed for free. This is highly unusual.

 

That's pretty amazing outcome. Yeah I'd give this guy my future business in a heart beat.