leaking cooling system fluid

[Deleted]

I restarted by Rover P5 Mk11c after a 12 month lay up and noticed antifreeze dripping out quite fast underneath. I couldn't really see where it was coming from as it was running down the front of the block. I assumed it is probably the water pump.

Is this likely to be related to the 12 month lay up as it was fine before. I am going to the UK for Xmas so I can pick up a new one there if needed.

Geraint Roberts
Holden MA USA

[Phil Nottingham]

Wellcome to the Forum - tell us more about your car

It could well be the pump seal that has partially seized during lay up and its unlikely to reseal again. It could possibly be the O ring at the top between the head and the pump.

As you have to remove the pump (or the head!) to replace it which means takeing off the rad etc and possibly removing seized bolts its better to have a pump available so line one up if you are coming over

[Deleted]

Thanks for the advice. I have heard elsewhere that it is necessary to remove the head but the OEM workshop manual doesn't say that. I had the head off once about 10 years ago but hope I dont have to do that in this case.

Wadhams supplies water pumps on exchange but I doubt if I am going to have time to remove it before I travel as I leave on Wednesday and there is a lot to do.

My car is a 1965 Mk 11c with 62,000 original miles, two tone grey exterior with red interior.

I originate from the UK (North Wales) but presently leave in Holden MA after a 4 year stint in NY and 5 years in Indiana. I brought the car from Wales when I relocated.

It was originally owned by the now Chairman of Slough Estates and he passed it on a part of a retirement settlement to his secretary in 1969 with about 32,000 miles. It then remained laid up for most of its life with just the odd 1000 miles being added from year to year. I bought it in 1989 for 1,100 pounds and then restored it over the next 5 years.

Complete body restoration, rechrome, new carpets, partial engine rebuild, complete new brakes, shocks, electrics and many other things.

It won the P5 national concours one year I think it was 1993 or 1994. I have the cup.

It is still in almost the same condition and now that I am recently in Massachusetts I intend to show it more as there is a good British car following here and some other Rover owners

[Phil Nottingham]

No need to remove the head it is a common misconception and very interesting to hear about your car