It is normal for a new water pump to have a very slight coolant weep (dampness there at the weep hole) after a few test drives. No visible coolant on cank pully etc, I have been checking the weep hole area after each test drive, after 1st new pump clearly leaked there after first test drive. This 2nd replacement pump, I noticed is was wet/damp to touch and whatever leaked took the paint off below the weep hole, so it leakng something. It is odd , it is not enough to look like green coolant, it just feels wet/damp, but it has that slick coolant feel, no smell because of the small amount. Is this weeping from break in? My thought...a leak is a leak or it will be become a bigger leak soon thanks.

 

If it’s leaking, the seal is bad.

I worked at auto parts stores for years in school (80s) and I have never heard of weeping being a normal occurrence with new pumps.

 

before you go to the trouble of taking it back off, confirm it is not dripping down from the hose above it.

 

What he said. Always check before replace.

 

No hose/gasket leaks. It is leaking from the pump.....Will return it and go a different route. thanks

 

What's the condition of your timing cover? These are stamped steel and have a tendency to pit over time below the pump. It's possible yours has some pits around the perimeter of the gasket and you're not getting a good seal.

 

The leak was through the weep holes (2 pumps). I took them back and had the original rebuilt. No issues with the rebuilt pump.