I'm in the process of changing the water pump on my dad-in-law's 94 P/U. I installed the new pump and noticed a hole in the top of the pump housing (indicated in the pic). I shined a flash light in the hole and can see the pump shaft turning. I sort of feel foolish asking, but what is the purpose of that hole?? The old pump does not have that hole!

Please help!

 

Looks to me like its gonna leak, does it?

 

Don't know, I was hoping that someone would know if it it normal before I put everything back together.

 

If you can see the shaft, its gonna leak. Take it back where you got it, and get a new pump and gasket.

 

That hole is normal. I am not sure what it is for but they all have it. It is behind the seal so it will not leak.

 

Yes that is normal. It is called a weep hole. If the seal protecting the impeller shaft bearing fails, that hole will leak. When that happens you are looking at new water pump in your near future.

 

^^^ Bingo!!! ^^^

That is hole there for when the seal starts to go out, it'll leak or "Weep" out of that hole! When it starts leaking, then its time for a new pump.

 

OK, thanks to all!!!