I am purchasing a 1970 Xj6 in a couple of weeks. According to the owner the water pump is leaking. I am not sure whether it is just the gasket that seals the pump to the block, or whether the pump is actually leaking.

What is the common failure mode of the water pump? Is it usually just the gasket that fails, or should I be expecting to fit a replacement pump?

The previous owner has done a general service on the car (fluids, plugs, wires, timing). I plan on replacing the thermostat, all of the water hoses and the belts while I am doing this job. Are there any other items I should check/replace while I am at it?

Cheers

Chris

 

I would check the pump if possible while you have it accessible. If you can get your hands on a new pump, I'd just put it in. Especially if its running on the original unit.

 

Shaft seals are the usual culprit.

Even if it's just the gasket you might as well replace the pump, as alrady mentioned, unless the pump is known to be a recent replacement.

Cheers
DD