View Full Version : HELP! Massive fluid leak (DUW!!!)
I had a bit of trouble today. Sorry about the size of the pictures, I'll try to resize them later, but I wanted to get the post up as quick as possible.
I heard a noise under the hood on the way home from work (after my car had been sitting for several days while I was on a business trip).
When I got home, I linked the ticking/clacking noise to a visually wobbling flywheel. Seen here in the center labeled 3W7E 8A5P8AA.
http://home.comcast.net/~jnbheidt/IMG_5744.JPG
Later that evening, I managed to drive about 2 1/2 miles before the power steering appeared to fail completely. I stopped and opened the hood to see what appeared to be a stream of fluid pouring out from under the now completely stopped pulley. The engine was still running, so I assume that it was a pump seal failure of some kind.
I believe the fluid was coolant. (Due to lime green residue all over the engine compartment: See below) The engine coolant reservoir was also noticably depleted to about halfway and well below the "fill" level.
http://home.comcast.net/~jnbheidt/IMG_5743.JPG
The questions I want to put to my more mechanically inclined marauder owners is ...
A. Should I have it "hauled" to the dealer instead of trying to drive it? I don't want to cause more damage or overheat the engine. (The rate of fluid loss was severe enough I don't think I could carry enough fluid to nurse it that far anyway.
B. What is the likely cause and why would the power steering fail?
C. What kind of repairs cost and I facing?
Thanks,
Jeremy
Mad1
RUSTY
03-30-2007, 09:15 PM
1. Don't drive it like that, you could cause more damage.
2. My guess is the belt for the power steering is sliping because of the coolant all over the place
Breadfan
03-30-2007, 10:11 PM
Sounds like the water pump failed, probably seized bearings if the pulley is stuck.
I would NOT drive it, even if it doesn't leak, it's most likely not circulating coolant. Also, you will see water temps at the sender, so the engine could be overheating even before the sender see's it due to non-circulating coolant.
Sounds like you'll just need a water pump, and I'd replace the belt, the wp pulley will have to be inspected.
RCSignals
03-30-2007, 10:20 PM
yes sounds like the water pump went. That's the pump pulley wobbling
Mad4Macs
03-30-2007, 11:20 PM
yes sounds like the water pump went. That's the pump pulley wobbling
Yep. And the "flywheel" is at the opposite end of the engine. It's what your torque converter bolts up to ;)
I wanted to thank everyone for the confirmation and advice.
The towing service just left with my baby all strapped down on the tilt bed to take it to the Ford dealer that does all my service work.
Unfortunately, it will probably be Monday before they can get working on it.
Sadly, I wish this had happened last weekend. I was in Memphis traveling in a state vehicle all week, so my marauder was parked for the last 5 days. I'm back in Nashville now and I'm going to be without my wheels. Major bummer.
I had just over 82,000 miles on the Odometer and I'll keep you posted on the diagnosis/repair bills.
Jeremy
Mad1
SlkMerc
03-31-2007, 12:31 PM
Some of you know, I was hearing a progressively worsening bearing noise up front. Yesterday, while in line for a car wash, it started clacking loudly. Upon visual inspection, I noticed the w/p pulley was wobbling badly and signs of greasy coolant around the w/p.
Easiest repair ive ever done!...10mm pulley bolts and 13mmx4 w/p mounting bolts, loosen the tensioner and it was off.
Ordered the pump, an Airtex heavy duty for $50. Went to day to pick it up and the freakin thing was wrong, was misboxed. So called the vendor, had him go look and this time its right. Will install tomorrow along with a new belt. So under a C note took care of it and I will have the priceless reward of DIY to build me confidence.........Next is tackling the rear axles!:D
JimmyXR7
04-01-2007, 07:37 AM
[quote=SlkMerc;483085]Some of you know, I was hearing a progressively worsening bearing noise up front. Yesterday, while in line for a car wash, it started clacking loudly. Upon visual inspection, I noticed the w/p pulley was wobbling badly and signs of greasy coolant around the w/p.
How many miles was on your MM when the water pump went out?
How much warning did the pump give or did it only make noise for a few miles?
My MM has 42,000 miles on it.
Thank you
Jim
I only noticed an abnormal sound from mine on the drive home Friday.
I was in stop-n-go traffic on the highway and I heard a unusual noise loud enough that I turned off the radio and A/C to hear what it was more clearly. The sound was notible at idle and got slightly louder as the engine went up from idle before it disappeared under the normal engine noise with more throttle.
I might not have heard the ominous sound otherwise, but it was pretty clear when I got home (15-miles) that the pully was the source of the noise and visibly shaking. The pump failed about 2 miles after that point, as I drove to the neighborhood gas station.
Like I said earlier, I had just over 82,000 miles on the OD and I'm the original owner of the car.
Jeremy
Mad1
SlkMerc
04-02-2007, 12:09 PM
[quote=SlkMerc;483085]Some of you know, I was hearing a progressively worsening bearing noise up front. Yesterday, while in line for a car wash, it started clacking loudly. Upon visual inspection, I noticed the w/p pulley was wobbling badly and signs of greasy coolant around the w/p.
How many miles was on your MM when the water pump went out?
How much warning did the pump give or did it only make noise for a few miles?
My MM has 42,000 miles on it.
Thank you
Jim
My girl had 62k and change. For about a week I heard a bearing type noise in front, no visible leak and no overheating. I figured I would wait for the noise to get worse and sure enough, while in line for a car wash, it started to CLACK!!!!. I lifted the hood and could see the pulley wobbling. I grabbed hold and it rocked back n forth, limped it home and took it apart.
MENINBLK
04-02-2007, 02:40 PM
hmmmm...
I am just turning 70,000 miles.
I have been having a squeak in the front that comes and goes.
It goes worse when it is damp and cold.
I will have to have my dealer look at this ASAP.
Last thing I need is to get stuck on the way to school or work...
I have an extended warranty but I can't take any chances on this one.
Pete...
JimmyXR7
04-14-2007, 10:18 AM
[quote=JimmyXR7;483219]
My girl had 62k and change. For about a week I heard a bearing type noise in front, no visible leak and no overheating. I figured I would wait for the noise to get worse and sure enough, while in line for a car wash, it started to CLACK!!!!. I lifted the hood and could see the pulley wobbling. I grabbed hold and it rocked back n forth, limped it home and took it apart.
Thanks, this is great info.
Along with the info that the factory recommends anti-freeze replacement at 100,000 miles (not the green stuff)
I will replace the anti-freeze at the same time my water pump goes out.
Jim
It's a been a while, but I finally have time to post the results.
Total cost: $241.27 for parts and labor to replace the water pump.
The tech included this note on his service sheet.
Note: Engine may have future problems because there was less than 1 gal. of coolant in the engine. Sounds like engine is starting to get a lower end engine knock.
Could that be the hot-plug in the back syndrome, that I've heard about?
I also had them do a 15,000 mile maintenance check and oil change.
They somehow decided it was also a good idea to "rotate" the tires and put the big ones on front. My usual service manager was on vacation, so I was dealing with someone else, who obviously didn't know any better. Anway, I noticed the difference (Duh! Because it's obvious!), had the service manager drag the tech out to look at his mistake and so I could laugh at him in person. :bigcry:
I've had the Marauder back on the road about a week now (minus a two-day sit while I was in Oak Ridge) and it's been running fine. I don't hear the "knock," but I'll keep an ear out for it.
Jeremy
Mad1
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