My 2007 Saturn Ion-2 2.2 is leaking coolant on the passenger side in the area where the cv axle is, actually right onto the cv axle. I tried to use some dye to pinpoint it, but it's up above where I can't see, even with a mirror. Here is a screenshot of a video I tool to show where the area is. I'll upload the video when I can connect to Wi-Fi. Does anyone know where this is coming from or what exactly I'd likely have to replace? Hopefully, it's just a gasket or something easy. I looked at a video of a guy doing a water pump job it but he started recording after he was already done getting the water pump out. I'll still definitely use that video as a reference or guidance.

Luckily, the leak will drain the reservoir tank mostly within the day or two, with less than an inch left in there, then start draining very slowly and last a hand 3 or more days, before the coolant gets low enough to make the temp gauge start rising. It rises slow and will rise barely above the middle of the middle mark for some more days. So, I'm not constantly having to top off the reservoir. Just to give a little reference on what's going on. I'm grateful it isn't leaking out all at once after topping off.

Any advice anyone can give?
Thanks

 

The water pump on the 2.2 is right above the CV axle on the passenger side. In the photo, that tube that is S-shaped leads from the water pump to the thermostat over on the transmission side of the engine. The bolt head that is in the center of the picture (below the blue spot) is the drain plug for the water pump. If you're lucky, it may just be the o-ring gasket where that pipe fits into the water pump that's leaking (the other end of that pipe fits into the thermostat housing). Check to see if you have any water in your oil or crankcase. If so, your water pump may be leaking into the timing chain area of the engine and into the crankcase from there. In which case, you'll need to replace the water pump.

 

It needs a water pump, it won’t leak into the crankcase. I have done at least a half dozen of these. You need a tool to hold the chain in place. I will list what I use. You will need a pump assembly and a gasket kit for the thermostat end of the pipe.

 

I would buy these parts for the next job. There a complete pump, don’t use the gear. The correct gasket kit and a thermostat. Should be all you need except some silicone sealer to help slide it back together. You will want to remove the temp sender for clearance for one of the bolts on the thermostat end.

 

Will it be obvious that itthat he o-ring gasket you mentioned if that's what it is? I mean, would I be able to tell the difference between it being an o-ring gasket or the water pump itself?

Also, to check the crankcase, I'd have to open the engine?? Seems like a lot. When you say check for oil in my water, you mean like on the dipstick? Or I'll have to drain the oil? Hopefully it's just a gasket 😭

 

When you say "don't use the gear" are you saying to get the pump only? Don't use the gear that comes with the pump? I'm confused. I see in the pic of the pump you shared there's a rubber like looking gear on it. Is it just not neaded?

Also, as far as the silicone, can I use Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker? I have some leftover from a valve cover job I did on my othneeded?

One more question. Is it possible the gaskets just need replaced?

Thanks

 

02 LW300 is probably correct - certainly he has more experience in this. He has changed several water pumps on the L61 engine (2.2 ecotec), and there is little possibility that coolant would get into the timing chain area, so don't worry about coolant in the oil. As far as gaskets/o-rings, the kit he recommended in post #4 contains everything you'll need. I was talking about the heavy o-ring that seals the water pipe into the inlet of the water pump, but the leakage you see is probably from the 'weep' area of the pump indicating a failure of the seal around the pump impeller shaft.

 

So you think the water pump itself is fine? I replaced it like back in 2019-2020, along with the timing chain

 

How many miles since the pump was replaced? I prefer a complete pump and now the complete pumps come with the gear. I would just remove the gear and install the pump using your gear. This saves pulling the front cover and all that entails. I have never had one leak coolant in that area that was not the pump itself leaking.

 

Maybe 35k I drive a lot. Travel far for my most recent job and also deliver Amazon packages out of it which racks up a LOT of miles.

Ok, got it about the gear, but what are you referring to when you say front end? The bumper? Or going off of the fact that the front of the engine is actually on the side where the pulleys are. Sorry, I get confused easily since I'm not a mechanic and most work I do on my own are first time attempts. The pump and timing chain was actually replaced by an actual mechanic a while back.

is it easy to tell if a pump is leaking by looking at it or a simple test? I replaced a a water pump on a 18 Kia Optima but it turned out to be nothing wrong with it and was the thermostat that was causing overheating issues.

Thanks