My engine recently started running hot sporadically (sometimes when moving, and sometimes when idling).
With further investigation, I found that my car has a serious water leak that seems to be steadily streaming from underneath the engine. All the hoses are dry, but it's trickling down from around the oil pan and probably coming from the water pump.
I also noticed that it leaks about a drop every 30 seconds when the radiator cap is on, but there's a considerable stream when the radiator cap is off. Also, when I turn the car off after having it on for a minute, the pace of the leak picks up (even with the radiator cap on).
So I just want to know as much as I can before I take it to a garage. Should I have to replace the whole water pump, or just the gasket? And, will private repair shops put on parts that I buy from Auto Zone, or do I have to buy parts from them? My car is probably worth less than most of the parts they sell.
Thanks for your help.
With further investigation, I found that my car has a serious water leak that seems to be steadily streaming from underneath the engine. All the hoses are dry, but it's trickling down from around the oil pan and probably coming from the water pump.
I also noticed that it leaks about a drop every 30 seconds when the radiator cap is on, but there's a considerable stream when the radiator cap is off. Also, when I turn the car off after having it on for a minute, the pace of the leak picks up (even with the radiator cap on).
So I just want to know as much as I can before I take it to a garage. Should I have to replace the whole water pump, or just the gasket? And, will private repair shops put on parts that I buy from Auto Zone, or do I have to buy parts from them? My car is probably worth less than most of the parts they sell.
Thanks for your help.