mechanic says water pump on 97 outback leaks (1.5qt/day).Any chance tightening bolts might tighten seal before replacing water pump? If replaced,must timing belt etc also be replaced?

Asked by hmblann Dec 13, 2016 at 08:07 PM about the 2000 Subaru Outback Limited Wagon

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 97 outback was overheating.It loses about 1.5 qts water daily, parked or
driven.mechanic says replace water pump and timing belt. Any chance
tightening bolts on water pump/checking torque might help? If leak is from
gasket, anything short of replacement- eg silicone around seal-possible?
thanks- mbinhi

1 Answer

No. You have to disassemble the front of the engine to get to the water pump so fix it right. Most likely it is leaking from the shaft seals and silicone won't fix that.

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