The cover is thin plastic having a seal which is not water tight but designed to keep out dirt and other debris. It can warp as shown in the photo and not affect its performance. The covers looks normal.

There are two covers,top and bottom which mate in the middle. They cover the timing belt area which includes the water pump. If water is leaking from under the cover or out a bolt that attaches the cover to the engine the water pump may be leaking. The covers need to be removed to access the pump.

One other thing. If you follow the large radiator hose at the bottom of the radiator to the pump area (lower passenger side area) you will see where it installs onto a metal "tube". It has happened this part made of aluminum corrodes to the point of having holes and leaking, or the radiator hose clamp could be loose allowing water to leak out.

If no leaks at the hose or tube it connects to then it is most likely the water pump.

 

One more question. I went to a couple parts stores and some have the water pump for $33 and others have it for $100+. The guy said the cheaper on is with out the housing but he said they look the same. What is the difference?

 

Have you taken the engine apart to find out what is wrong? If not this might be best to be able to buy all the parts at once.

The pump bolts to the housing which bolts to the engine. You should only need the pump.

The housing looks like the item in the link below:

More Information for DORMAN 902401

The pump looks like this:

More Information for AIRTEX AW9099

 

i wish i could take the engine apart where i am. ive watched and read so much about this repair im sure i could do it. im bringing it to a friends friends shop on monday so ill buy just the pump and get the rest if needed. thanks

 

If changing the pump, also change the timing belt.

 

Ok Thanks for the advice!

 

Hi again. I have replaced the water pump, timing belt, and pulleys and she still won't start. The guy that helped fix it thinks I jumped the timing when the pump failed and that's why it wouldn't start before. He said he wasn't sure why it won't start now and is going to recheck the timing and do another compression test. If the timing is correct what could the problem be?

 

Did you check for ign spark?

 

He said he did.

 

As you posted, have the mechanic recheck belt timing and compression. If engine overheated too much a blown head gasket is possible.

When checking compression and plugs are out, crank engine and check for fuel being injected into cylinders.