COOLANT LEAK

[02Oilburner]

I lose a gallon of collant every 2-3 days if not topped off. Some days I fill it and drive all day and it doesnt leak its very weird. Im not over heating so i think the water pump works I think it is leaking around the pump. Could it be the wp gasket? Also how difficult is it to change the wp? When it rains it pours my power sterring is also leaking like crazy. I fill it and drive to store (5 miles) and come home and its empty and is all over the underside of truck. Lucky I have 2 trucks but I want to drive my Diesel my gasser is a wus. Thanks for any and all help!

 

[bushpilot]

man 360k miles and all youve had go wrong is the water pump and
power steering pump...thats damm good !

the water pumps USUALLY have a weep hole so that when the
bearing STARTS to go it drips a little coolant...its probably your issue
if youre seeing some coolant leaking 'round the pump.

if i were pullin the thing apart id replace it along w/ the gasket (even
if it were JUST the gasket...which i doubt).

autozone is showing the unlimited life time warranted water
pump for your truck for 98 bucks (after a 45 dollar core)....unless
you know the condition of the upper and lower radiator hose i'd
go ahead and replace those too (since youll have drained the system).

same thing w/ the fluid...might as well install new coolant....do these things
and youll likely not have to touch 'em for another 100k miles at least !

autozone is also showing the Lifetime warranted power steering pump
for 63 bucks (after a 34 dollar core)

id also recommend you replace those hoses too...the pressure hose
is 28 bucks (lifetime warranty from autozone) and the return hose
is about 25 bucks (again lifetime warranty)

 

[02Oilburner]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking it was going to be expensive. How difficult is it to replace these parts?

 

[bushpilot]

... How difficult is it to replace these parts?

cant say...ive never had to do one on a 7.3 or 6.0, im just guessing
but its probably not much worse than any other gas engine that ive
worked on.

might as well replace the thermostat while youve got the thing
drained too...and the word from the 7.3 guys is that a 203* t-stat
is better then the cooler 190* units.

and while im spending your money check the belts...replace if
they need it.

assuming youve got all the parts, fluids and wrenches you should
be able to knock out both items in a single day <worst case>.

heres a how to on the water pump replacement....
7.3L Water Pump How To

 

[dboyw]

I did my water pump last year. If you do automotive work, it is not to bad. Hardest part for me was removing the fan clutch, with the tools. Advanced Auto has a nice set for loan that has the wrench we need. Took about 4 to 5 hours for me, took my time. I used the same instructions listed above.

 

[jestersv]

best piece of advice I have wear gloves when pulling the fan off back side of blades will cut more than likely right in the crease of the pinky (ask me how know) other wise its not too bad a large piece of card board over hood latch also helps also get the top hose that goes around the belt not through and add a hose clamp at the bracket below alt. I've done 2 7.3 one on my truck and one on my ex.

 

[02Oilburner]

I changed out the old water pump and thermostat.(203* in there now) A day or two after my first post powersteering went out also. I guess it was better then than after I did the water pump. I replaced water pump, therm, hoses, power steering pump and power steering hoses at the same time. I had never worked on diesels before this. Thanks for all the advice and instructions guys PS. No leaks after 2 weeks.
Parts=$500
Tools=$40
Experience=priceless