I noticed a small coolant leak a little a few weeks ago. I consulted our trusty board to see what I might be in for, contemplated the possibilities (what might be wrong), and then tossed around the idea of when I should take it in...

The leak only occurred after I ran the car long enough to get it thoroughly warmed up (more than just a quick trip to the store). The leak was maybe 5 or 6 drops, then that was it (each time of course). It's location was toward the rear of the engine (or so it seems, I never got under and looked for it).

The cause?? Water pump. With just over 13,000 miles my water pump took a crap. The part wasn't in stock, so my car will be spending the night in Irvine pending delivery.

The good news is that it wasn't anything more drastic.

 

Have not heard about a water pump taking a dump in our RX-8 before.

Thanks for making us aware.

 

how many points of labour is the RX-8 water pump anyway?? just out of curiosity

 

Dunno. I'll find out more when I pick up the car.

I'm surprised as anyone that the WP bailed so early. The only sign that there was a problem was the leak. Since no one else has really run into this yet, it's likely just a one off. Lucky me

 

Sorry about the water pump, but I'm really glad you didn't say your engine was shot. I was expecting the worst when I opened your thread... glad it's something (relatively) simple. Please do let us know if they have any info on why it failed and what the labor was like...

 

That's exactly what I thought about reading some of the coolant leak threads here too...

When I talked to the dude yesterday, I called and he said, "Let me check. It says here that... Why did they? Hang on. Let me give you a call back." I about crapped a brick thinking that it was the worst.

He then called back and said that they were just waiting for the parts (pump and gasket). I was relieved.

I'll try to get as much info out of them as possible regarding whether they've seen this on other '8s yet, labor, and any idea's on why (though I seriously doubt I'll get anywhere with the last question).

 

Here's a bit more info, but not much:

They charge 1 hour of labor for the water pump change. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to talk to the service dude (he was busy with another customer when I picked up my car). Not much else on the little paper thingy.