Subject:	cooling system
Question:	I have a 1992 mitsiubishi Diamante it is a v-6 with dohc. The other day I noticed what seemed to be water leaking from a pipe coming off of the water pump, then I saw smoke from what I believe to be the general vicinity of the pump, and, then I smelled what seemed to be rubber burning which I assumed was the impeller inside the pump. I was wondering how to be 100% sure before I tore into it. Also which is the best way to remove that pump I was thinking from the bottom. Help me out please. Thank-you
Answer:	James, This problem sounds typical to that year of Diamante. If this car has been on the road for 10+ years now, and has never had the water pump replaced, consider yourself fortunate. The Mitsubishi engineers designed such a good cooling system for all their cars; I've never seen one simply overheat. This is because the engineers put a lot of faith into the water pump. Those pumps are worked very hard and typically need replacing every 6-8 years/90,000 - 120,000 miles. You will want to be certain that the water pump is indeed the problem. If your coolant level has remained steady, even when you're seeing "smoke", your water cooling system (water pump) may not be to blame. If the"smoke" you noticed dissipates quickly and has a sweet smell to it, it probably is steam from the coolant dripping on a hot engine part and evaporating. Now, if that "smoke" lingers around the engine block and has an oily smell (perhaps even that of burning rubber), this could be a far more notorious problem that the '92 Diamantes have. Those '92 models were poorly designed with bad piston rings and seals. After time, those seals wear away and oil leaks into the cylinder compartments. This can lead to a smoke coming out from around the valve cover if that gasket is bad. The dripping coolant may be a result from the engine running a bit too hot because of the oil leak. Low oil pressure -> more friction and heat build up -> build up of pressure in the coolant system, and possible chance of breakdown due to overheating. My advice; keep an eye on the coolant level, oil level, and engine temperature. Also, while the car is parked, have someone start up the car while to stand behind it. Look for any blue-ish smoke coming from the exhaust upon startup and while the car is being throttled. That will indicate an oil leak. If you're convinced itís the water pump, and want to perform the replacement yourself, be sure to get a GOOD repair manual; the latest Haynes and Chiltons are good references. If you want the best manual, call your local Mitsubishi dealership and ask for the prices for their factory service manuals for your car. They can be expensive, but there is no better manual available. But any one of those manuals will describe the best way change the water pump. Iíve replaced two on two different models of Mitsubishi (Eclipse and Galant). The Diamantes are very difficult to work on, so if you have any doubts in your ability, take it to a mechanic. Good luck!