The fluid you think is coolant could just be condensation mixed in with the oil.

 

Right, I agree as I dont really think I have coolant in my oil, my oil level drops over time, not rises, plus my oil looks just fine.



In this picture, I have a lot of dusty, sticky buildup around that removable plate, nothing else really in that immediate area, just around the edges and surface of that plate. Possible that the pump is seeping a bit? Burning off before it can really be spotted but leaving enough residue to make the dust stick to it? I live in a very dusty area, so anything remotely sticky gets very dusty. I can take pictures if it would help in the diagnosis.

Is that sort of an inspection plate that comes off? Im sorry, Im usually pretty smart when it comes to cars, but this little HHR makes me feel like an idiot. Havent had it all that long, and still learning about it.

 

That is just an access plate on the bigger timing chain cover. If it's leaking any around that small plate to the outside, it's going to be engine oil.
If the water pump has a leak, the coolant would go into the oil. The water pump is considered as an internal pump since it's driven by the timing chain.

 

That deposit means that the pump was probably replaced in the past and they didn't put a new gasket on the plate. It's just a paper gasket, but fairly expensive.

That is access to the water pump sprocket. You have to install a tool to hold the sprocket and chain when you R&R the water pump. That is referenced in the link I supplied earlier.

BTW, your car does not have the extra serpentine belt shown in that pic.

 

Well I finally found something!



There on that bolt on the water pump you will see maybe two drops of coolant! Plus wetness! Yay.

I had checked this area before, but normally on a hot engine, or a cold one. The only thing I did differently this time was I had the car up on ramps overnight to drain the oil so I could fix a small crack in the oil pan. I was putting the drain plug back in, and my flashlight caught a gleam of something wet.

So now what? Im guessing the water pump has a leak, an external one thank goodness. I gather it that replacing the pump involves a special tool, and lots of swearing? What could a person expect to pay a mechanic to do this?

 

It could just need a little tightening to the drain plug

 

Well, the drain plug was pretty tight already, I got it to move a little, but had to crank on it pretty hard. I was just using a normal size 3/8 ratchet, not the breaker bar or anything. I cant imagine its supposed to be uber tight.

I guess I will just have to see if that did anything for it. Thanks everyone for all the help so far.

 

It's not the drain leaking, it's the gasket. Or, the weep hole is on the top and it's a bad bearing (my bet). New water pump. There is a how-to. Found by searching "water pump" https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...acement-56476/.

 

Torque spec is 16 lbs. ft. and the bolt requires thread sealant. When I removed mine, it looked just like the teflon plumber's pipe dope that I have. That's what I used and have had no leaks in a few thousand miles.

Unfortunately, you'll lose coolant resealing it. Probably whoever flushed your coolant last time didn't put fresh sealant on before reinstalling the bolt.

donbrew, which gasket are you suggesting? I think the drain bolt had a very thin metal gasket on it.

 

The water pump gasket, that tiny O-ring they call a gasket.

But more likely the bearing/bushing/shaft seal is worn out and the weep hole well has filled up and dripping. The design geniuses put the weep hole in a well on the top of the pump, so you can't tell until disaster strikes.