whats my problem

my buddies 97 cavalier is leaking water fast. looks like it might be coming from the water pump. if he drives on it for a few days and makes sure theres plenty of water in it will it be ok. what could happen. if the overflow is steaming hot after driving, does that sound like the problem?

Edited: 6/17/2006 9:55:10 PM by stockflooredsdime

Edited: 6/17/2006 9:54:19 PM by stockflooredsdime

It sounds like your not getting any flow. More than likely it has something to do with the radiator.

Radiators usually clog up and start leaking before water pumps go.

will it hurt the motor bad if he runs it for a few days for short distances...and makes sure theres water in it at all times?

I would say only if it gets too hot. Keep an eye on the temp.

k---thanks guys

anyone ever changed the water pump on a 97ish cavalier. anyone got a rough price on one?

it should be pretty easy to tell wether your water pump or radiator is leaking, seeing how there is enough seperation between the two the tell which one the leak is closest to. Its not uncommon for a water pump gasket to leak or the pump to leak internally. If you do add fluid, be better off adding a 50/50 water coolant mix. It'll keep your engine cool longer than plain water. And depending on how bad the leak is, it wouldn't hurt to overfill the coolant jug. If its leaking bad enough, it'll cycle back out soon enough.

is it a z24? there bad about stopping up near the thermostat.