For 1990-2009 cars

# Water Pump Weep (Install Coolant Collector)

Subject: | Water Pump Weep (Install Coolant Collector)

Models: | 1996-1998 Buick Skylark

| 1996-2002 Chevrolet Cavalier

| 1997-1999 Chevrolet Malibu

| 1996-1998 Oldsmobile Achieva

| 1999-2001 Oldsmobile Alero

| 1996-2001 Pontiac Grand Am

| 1996-2002 Pontiac Sunfire

| with 2.4L Engine (VIN T - RPO LD9)

### Condition

Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle. A technician may notice that the water pump may show a staining around the weep hole.

### Cause

The occasional drop of coolant and the staining may be the evidence of normal coolant weepage. The weep hole prevents normal coolant weepage from accumulating around the bearing seal. For more information on this normal condition, refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 00-06-02-009.

### Correction

Replacing the water pump for this normal weepage is likely to result in a repeat of the customer concern. To address customer concerns and promote customer satisfaction, a coolant collector has been developed to trap and absorb normal weepage of the pump. The coolant collector is a hinged, two-part collar that easily snaps around the neck of the water pump. Installing this new part is quick and effective and reduces unnecessary water pump replacement.

The coolant collector has a limited capacity to absorb coolant. If diagnosis with a pressure test of the coolant system indicates a failed pump seal, or if the customer concern is for coolant consumption, installing the coolant collector will not correct the condition.

#### Coolant Collector Installation

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in the General Information subsection of the applicable Service Manual.
2. Place the open hinged coolant collector around the narrow neck area of the water pump. Position the hinged portion towards the front of the vehicle. Close the coolant collector, ensuring the tongue enter the latch. Exert pressure to lock the coolant collector in place until an audible click is heard, which ensure retention.
3. Lower the vehicle.

### Parts Information

The coolant collector is available as part of an updated water pump kit and is also available separately.

Part Number | Description | Qty
--- | --- | ---
12573729 | Coolant Collector | 1

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

### Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation | Description | Labor Time
--- | --- | ---
J3701 | Water Pump, Coolant Collector - Install | 0.3 hr