Water pump failure on '02 Imprezia Outback Sport

[nhopper]

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During the prolonged cold spell here in the northern plains, I started
noticing the sweet smell of burning coolant briefly when running the
cabin heat at idle. Underway, the smell disappears. This was of great
concern since the last Subaru I owned (an '85) cracked a head and oil
infiltrated the coolant system. The symptoms were similar -- except
this time there was no oil visible in the reservoir.

I started checking under the car and noticed a small spot of coolant,
perhaps about 50 ml of coolant, directly under the engine after it sat
overnight. Thinking pump failure, I took it into the mechanic who said
the pump needed to be replaced.

The car is a 2002 Subaru Imprezia Outback Sport -- the mini Outback
wagon. I've only got about 36k miles on it. Has anyone else had issues
with their water pump on this model? It seemed quite premature for the
pump to crap out like that.

Hopper

 

[daszkiew2000]

looks like HG weep to me

 

[S]

looks like HG weep to me

Could also be the thermostat housing, lower radiator hose, upper
radiator hose, coolant bypass tube, or the coolant lines to the intake
manifold.
I'd suggest using one of the coolant system pressure testers to see if
you can't determine where the leak is. Clean the front of the engine
real well, pressurize the system, and then see if you can't determine
where the coolant is coming from. A waterpump leak will (usually) drip
from the bottom left side of the timing belt cover . . .
FWIW, I have (stupidly) pulled the entire front of one of these
engines apart to replace a leaky waterpump, only to find that a leak
was at the upper hose was dripping into the timing cover, so look
carefully before you leap.

ByeBye! S.
Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[bigjim]

I believe there is a 60000 mile 5 yr warranty on engine---- bring it to
dealer. If warranty is past i bet you wish you bought the extended!!!!!