Catch Water Pump seal leakages early

[RD_Atlanta]

A family member was not aware their 2003 3.8L water pump had been leaking for some time and set out on a vacation trip when the 3.8L started running rough and run fine for a while then acting up again. Turns out the water pump had been leaking for some time them on the trip the seal leak volume became larger and damaged the crank shaft sensor. It occurred to me that one of my three LeSabre's had been loosing about 1/4" of coolant about every 300-400 miles. I checked with a flashlight and saw where my WP seal was weeping a small amount (see the attached photo). It might be good for members with a 3.8L to occasionally look with a flashlight to prevent the same road trip break down.

 

[DrivenDaily]

... or just don't take road trips and we'll be fine?

(Sorry, couldn't resist the temptation. 😉)

 

[Homer Jay]

To expand;
Unexplained coolant loss may also be early indication of UIM and/or LIM failure.