Leaking around the water pump area on engine block or frame causing loss of coolant and sometimes overheating. You need to get it fixed before it causing major damage.
Ginko is off base. The water pump on this engine is purely mechanical. It has no wires going to it. It is located to the driver's side of the front of the engine. As viewed from in front of the car, look at the serpentine belt. The pulley at the 3 Oclock position mounts to the front of the water pump.
The pump can fail in two ways. The most common failure is that it leaks coolant. By looking at the pump [behind the pulley] from underneath, you will see a hole about 1/4" in diameter. If the pump is leaking, that is were you will see either wet antifreeze OR a chalky white trail [dried antifreeze that has leaked at an earlier time.
The second failure is that one of the two bearings is failing. If you hear an unusual noise coming from the area of the water pump, one of the bearings has failed. The pump will soon "auto disassemble" itself, with very expensive problems for you. DO NOT continue to drive the vehicle with either problem. You can do MAJOR damage to the engine if you overheat it.
Best to call for support first, check if any recalls and such - www.chevrolet.com or 1-800-222-1020
Joseph is referring to Chevrolet Tehnical Service Bulletin 67-62-04. This bulletin mentions 2 possible leak sources which MAY be mistaken for a leaking water pump. They are leaks at the connections of the radiator hose and vent hose at the water pump. HOWEVER, these leaks relate to the 2.4 liter engine, NOT the 2.2 liter engine that the original poster has.
This service bulletin does mention that Chevy had some problems with the thermostat housing gasket leaking on the 2.2 liter engine.
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Hi.
The most evident sign of water pump failure is overheating. If the engine is hot the coolant temperature sensor will trigger the warning light on the dash shortly after the pump has failed.
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Obviously if the water pump is failing it must be replaced. A way to check if the water pump is functional is by reading volts at the pump while the engine is on. If the pump has 12VDC across the terminals but it does not run, then the pump is defective and must be replaced. If the pump does not get power check the water pump fuse and relay.
Regards.
Ginko
how to test the water pump to see if its woking
Charlie is correct. The 1997 Chevy pump is mechanical and only pulled by a belt. as he explained check if pump is leaking and check if the pump bearings are noisy or seized. Engine overheating may damage the engine. In the best case you risk to blow the head gasket.
Ginko is an idiot,
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