I just had to rant a little. I was super excited to have my R53 back together again. It runs super smooth, sounds amazing with the full Milltek resonated exhaust. It’s definitely a different car with the 15% SC pulley, 2% OD pulley, Detroit tuned bypass valve, and the DDMworks air box. The supercharger wine is very noticeable. I replaced lots of parts and gaskets, but those are the hp gain parts. The sad thing is I have to take it all back apart, because there is a coolant leak. @#$*! It looks like it’s coming from the water pump area. The water pump didn’t leak before, but since it had 111k and I suspected it was the original, I replaced it. I slid the radiator out some on long bolts and brought the engine up to temp. It’s defiantly coming from that area, but I can’t see where so I can’t pinpoint exactly where. Is there a way to determine if it’s a gasket or hose leak or is it just a guessing game from here that I just take it apart, reassemble and hope for the best?

 

If you changed the water pump, i'd check the gasket that attaches to the block. Replacing both rubber gaskets, one on the inside of the flange, and one of the water pump, and keeping it loose as you mount it usually prevents a leak. The other piece that can leak is that little rubber hose that goes from the top of the water pump to the thermostat.

 

I changed all the gaskets, maybe didn’t get it seated correctly. Thanks

 

I apply sil-glyde to both flange gaskets. Also don’t over tighten the flange bolts. Good luck!

 

^^ This ^^
They can give you issues if you installed them dry or slightly misaligned.

 

I did this all when I took everything apart. Is it going to be easier to remove the SC again or is there a way to remove the water pump without total disassembly?

 

Looks great!

 

The easiest way is to put in front end service mode and remove the radiator and radiator support. You'll then have tons of room to work.

 

Yes. I didn't remove the radiator yet because I was still trouble shooting to see where the leak was coming from so I could pre order the correct parts. Looks like its coming form the water pump side, not the thermostat housing, so I ordered a new flange and a couple of O rings. When I tore it down I didn't replace the flange because it looked to be in good shape and the water pump came with an O ring.

I do have a question though, if it is leaking from the flange or the water pump O ring, wouldn't it leak as soon as the car is started? It doesn't start leaking until the car is warmed up, so at first I thought it was coming from the thermostat housing, but the drizzle flow is coming from below the water pump that I can see once the radiator is pulled out far enough to see while running.

 

Get a wifi scope from Amazon (I have the $35 Depstech 1200p) to try and pinpoint where the leak is coming from.

 

Does the tip bend on that one? We have a scope at work we can bend the tip 45 degrees in a 360 pattern. I wish I could take it home to use 😕. I haven’t had time to work on it yet, but I’m still thinking about the leak. It doesn’t start leaking until the engine is up to temp and the thermostat opens. Does this give me a clue as to if it’s from the flange or thermostat housing?