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A family member was not aware their 2003 3.8L water pump had been leaking for some time and set out on a vacation trip when the 3.8L started running rough and run fine for a while then acting up again. Turns out the water pump had been leaking for some time them on the trip the seal leak volume became larger and damaged the crank shaft sensor. It occurred to me that one of my three LeSabre'* has been loosing about 1/4" of coolant about every 300-400 miles (in the reservoir). I checked with a flashlight and saw where my WP seal was weeping a small amount (see the attached photo). It might be good for members with a 3.8L to occasionally look with a flashlight to prevent the same road trip break down.
I'd recommend this every time a member checks fluids, and that should probably be done every 1,000 miles or so unless it needs to be more often for some reason. There is no 3.8 on the road that is less than 17 years old (as of tomorrow).
Il est vrai que sur les moteurs 3.8L, une fuite du joint de la pompe à eau peut passer inaperçue pendant un certain temps, mais elle peut rapidement causer des dommages plus graves comme la détérioration du capteur de vilebrequin, surtout lors d’un long trajet. Ton exemple montre bien qu’un petit suintement visible avec une lampe de poche ne doit pas être ignoré. Pour les propriétaires de 3.8L, il est judicieux de vérifier régulièrement le joint de la pompe à eau et le niveau de liquide de refroidissement afin de prévenir une panne sur la route et éviter des réparations beaucoup plus coûteuses.
Il est vrai que sur les moteurs 3.8L, une fuite du joint de la pompe à eau peut passer inaperçue pendant un certain temps, mais elle peut rapidement causer des dommages plus graves comme la détérioration du capteur de vilebrequin, surtout lors d’un long trajet. Ton exemple montre bien qu’un petit suintement visible avec une lampe de poche ne doit pas être ignoré. Pour les propriétaires de 3.8L, il est judicieux de vérifier régulièrement le joint de la pompe à eau et le niveau de liquide de refroidissement afin de prévenir une panne sur la route et éviter des réparations beaucoup plus coûteuses.
Translated: It is true that on 3.8L engines, a leak in the water pump gasket can go unnoticed for some time; however, it can quickly lead to more serious damage—such as deterioration of the crankshaft sensor—especially during a long trip. Your example clearly demonstrates that even a minor seepage, visible with a flashlight, should not be ignored. For owners of 3.8L models, it is prudent to regularly inspect the water pump gasket and check the coolant level to prevent a roadside breakdown and avoid far more costly repairs.
Translated: It is true that on 3.8L engines, a leak in the water pump gasket can go unnoticed for some time; however, it can quickly lead to more serious damage—such as deterioration of the crankshaft sensor—especially during a long trip. Your example clearly demonstrates that even a minor seepage, visible with a flashlight, should not be ignored. For owners of 3.8L models, it is prudent to regularly inspect the water pump gasket and check the coolant level to prevent a roadside breakdown and avoid far more costly repairs.
3.8L Water Pump Leakage
