I have a Proton Persona compact N reg 1.6l sei. It has developed a leak from the water pump (pressure releif valve?). Strang thing is it only drips when the engine is cold and is fine when the motor is running. I have checked the pump and it is fine. Suspect the valve went as the water level had not been checked for 2 years and engine overheated. I dont want to replace the pump as is quite a big job. Has anyone got any advice on plugging the tiny hole on the pump?.
Thanx.

Craig, November 2006

If the pump is leaking water at all, this indicates its on its way out ! Water is passing the rubber bearing seals and out through them to the outside world. The bearing wear will accellerate and pretty soon they will collapse. When this happens you may be unfortunate enough to lose the timing of the cams and valvegear as the belt is sometimes common to the water pump and relies on maintaining tension provided by the stability of the pump shaft. Total engine destruction could follow if this happens.

Thats all looking on the 'black side', but really you should get it changed as soon as possible.

Good Luck.

SB

Steve, November 2006