New to the forum I just turned 58 today...and just purchased a 97 Wrangler Sport as my present for myself! I haven't done any serious wrenching on vehicles since the 80s but figured a "hobby" jeep would be a good start to get back into the knuckle busting and cussing practice. The jeep was listed at a low cost and the seller honestly and up front listed all he thought wrong... of which I physically confirmed. One thing he may have missed... seller indicated "blown head gasket/cracked head" which didn't discourage me, just lowered my offer. While looking over the vehicle, top to bottom, frame to seat, bumper to bumper, I noted that where he indicated "head" failure and resultant "coolant" everywhere observations didn't seem to me to show anything but evidence of pooling or "sprayed" on prior coolant. And, when I opened the cap on radiator, coolant ran out from what I assumed to be water pump/thermostat housing. Put the cap back on and it stops. Take cap off and coolant runs out again, same location. I think the "cracked head" issue he thought he had is not correct and its a shot water pump seal. Seller didn't get a mechanic to look at it. He went online, read about the Tupy head casting issue and assumed that was problem. I looked at head, as recommended elsewhere on this forum for identifying heads. Its not a Tupy that cracks head. I think its water pump related. Also oil in pan is clean... no mocha color or similar sludge; coolant clean with no apparent audulteration of hydrcarbon products (tested it with my water quality test kit from work); cylinders looked clean, no moisture etc., and it never blew whiteish smoke from exhaust. In fact, after the one "blown/cracked" head incident the guy garaged it to sell.
Starts, runs, has some rust (one fender and near windshield hinge) and I think I got a steal on price and condition but my question is on my diagnosis of a waterpump issue/seal failure? Anyone with any input or thoughts?
Thanks!