I was pulling up to the house last night and noticed a greasy spot on the street right below where my engine compartment sits where I park. Got out and looked for leaks. I saw right away that the coolant reservoir was on the low side. Made a note of that, then also noticed that the center of the 18" diameter stain on the ground was directly below the oil filter which was just changed two weeks ago at a local shop. Hoping it was just a loose filter I returned to the shop where the oil change was done and had them check it. They told me the water pump is leaking. I have an auxiliary instrument gauge to monitor various things and I know the coolant temp has stayed within a few degrees of 196F, so at least I'm not just relying on the dashboard idiot lights for signs of imminent doom.
Questions:
1) Is this something I can do myself in the driveway?
2) Will I save any significant amount of money doing it myself?
3) Am I just asking to have a moderate reaming turn into a full-blown goat-screw by attempting this on my own?
I am quite mechanically inclined (HVAC certified, former Navy Machinist Mate, etc.) but woefully inexperienced when it comes to motor vehicles. Beyond lights, fluids, and filters I just haven't had a chance to do much. Of course, if I spend the rest of my life just taking it to the shop every time I have a problem I will stay that way. Is this a reasonable project for someone looking to take a step up? I'd like to learn, but not the hard way...
Thanks!
Questions:
1) Is this something I can do myself in the driveway?
2) Will I save any significant amount of money doing it myself?
3) Am I just asking to have a moderate reaming turn into a full-blown goat-screw by attempting this on my own?
I am quite mechanically inclined (HVAC certified, former Navy Machinist Mate, etc.) but woefully inexperienced when it comes to motor vehicles. Beyond lights, fluids, and filters I just haven't had a chance to do much. Of course, if I spend the rest of my life just taking it to the shop every time I have a problem I will stay that way. Is this a reasonable project for someone looking to take a step up? I'd like to learn, but not the hard way...
Thanks!