Hi. 99 4.0L XLT 4x4 w/ 170k and unknown service history.

I was about to replace a leaky thermostat housing when I noticed my water pump seems to be leaking from the driver side UPPER. The weep hole seems dry. but can’t get a good look.

With 180k I don’t want to overheat even a little bit.

is there a timing cover leak to prepare for? I’d like to order parts now.

AC Delco are 1/3 price of Motorcraft. Ok? Really appreciate second eyes before throwing money out.

photos show up close. The leak is wet and oily. Does not smell like coolant tho.

Close up from fan on upper driver side of water pump

Different view

Top view looking down

 

No, the water pump passages don't go thru timing chain cover on the 4.0l, only the 3.0l
Water pump is not hard to change, but a bit of a pain because I think there are 3 different bolt lengths, lol, and not much difference, but enough to bottom out a bolt and snap it off when tightening, not an lol
So have the new water pump out of the box and as you remove a bolt put it in place on new water pump, then when old one is out swap them over to old pump to keep positions for installing new pump

Yes, doesn't look like coolant, could be power steering fluid, valve cover leak, even oil from failing fan clutch

Does it lose coolant?
That would be the tell tale sign of a coolant leak

 

Honest can’t tell what this is. It’s SLIGHTLY greasy. Watery viscous. But has no green or brown or scent. Maybe it is PS.

the bolt advices priceless.I didn’t run across that at all. Thanks!

yes, it loses some coolant but the thermostat housing is leaking. That looks and smells like coolant. It’s a small leak. I’ll do that first. Clean stuff up and try to trace. There isn’t much overlapping work if I need to go back.


Dirt water muck.
Thanks again

 

I agree that doesn't look like coolant, but look in the radiator..............

If it did look like that I would CHANGE YOUR COOLANT RIGHT AWAY, lol

Yes, fix thermostat leak and then wait and see if coolant loss continues