So I was heading home today and while getting off the freeway I heard a squealing sound. I thought it was another car. I drove about a half mile to the next light and the whole vehicle started shaking then it just died as it came to a stop and steam came shooting from under the hood. When I got off to the side of the road there was a ton of coolant pouring out under the engine and the temperature was higher than normal.

I'm pretty sure it's the water pump. I'm trying to locate the weep or vent hole to see if the plug is indeed expelled. If it is that confirms that it's the water pump right? Obviously it could be a hose, but if the plug is gone or leaking then that's probably the problem? I've got the Haynes manual, but it only identifies the location on the 4cyl engine. I have a 6cyl 3.4L 5VZ-FE.

I've done the searches, but I can't seem to find anything. It seems there are a lot water pump issues right now. It must be the weather. If anyone has a picture or can describe where the hole is I'd really appreciate it.

Happy New Year to ME!

 

You will not be able to see the weep hole,because the pump is tucked behind the t-belt cover...Most of the time the w-pump will leak from the gasket before the weep hole anyway..If it is leaking bad,you might beable to spot coolant crusting at the lower t-belt cover behind the crank pulley.....Or drain some coolant remove top radiator hose,remove top t-belt cover and look down w/flashlight and spot the waterpump.....

Or..If its been a long time..just replace the; t-belt,waterpump,thermostat,ect.and be done with it.

 

Go here and look at or download the FSM (free) and ditch the Haynes manual.
http://www.ncttora.com/fsm/index.html

Be careful, your t-belt may have gotten wet with coolant and slipped a tooth or 2. If that's the case your timing is off and could cause serious damage to the engine.

 

I would not worry about engine damage,5VZ is a non-interfearance engine...so if the t-belt jumps or breaks..the valves will not bend..replace parts and drive on..but might leave you stranded if it goes.

But it will run bad,or not at all if it jumps(depending on how many teeth)..and could damage cat,or seals/idler/tensioner if the belt shreads..

 

That's right, I forgot it was non-interfearance.

 

Thanks everyone! The more and more I look at the manuals the more and more I realize I am not up for this. Anyone wanna make a buck? All the repair shops are closed today so I have to take a day off tomorrow just so I can take it in. I'd attempt to do it myself if it wasn't my DD. Thanks again!