What is this hole for in a 258 water pump?

I have coolant leaking out of this hole on my 258 waterpump? When the water pump is installed in the Jeep this hole is in the 6 O'clock position.



Anybody know what its for and what causes coolant to leak out of it?

It's probably a drain hole for the shaft seal. When the seal leaks and water comes out of the hole it's time for a new water pump.

Can anybody guess what I did 3 days ago to cause the waterpump to start leaking all of the sudden?

Also, any suggestions on a manufacturer for a new pump. There a tons to choose from at Autozone, Advance, OReilly, NAPA and RockAuto. My research has yet to reveal a clear choice.

No real preference of brand... pretty much the same in my experience unless you are looking for a performance/aluminum model (waste of money on a 258 IMHO).

One thing to check when you get the replacement - do a visual comparison to make sure the new pump impeller blades are oriented the same as the old pump. There are 2 different options that may not be specified clearly at the part store. One is designed for a v-belt and the other for a serpentine belt. They both look the same except for the impeller. Either will bolt on to your motor, but they are designed for opposite rotation of the impeller (one rotates clock-wise and the other counter clock-wise). I've heard of folks getting the wrong model and then can't figure out why their Jeep keeps overheating (pumps don't move enough coolant if the impeller is turning backwards).

Classic Jeep owner story:

The Scrambler I am working on is made up of all leftover parts from various other projects. It will ultimately be just a plow Jeep and will never see the road or trail. I decided to put a hood on it so I didn't have to keep tripping over the hood laying on the ground in the shop. The hood is fiberglass and doesn't have the center release mechanism. The grill is metal and had the center release so I took out the 4 bolts and it prompty dropped like a stone and wedged itself between the radiator and grill. I wiggled it out through the turn signal lamp hole and realized soon after that it damaged the radiator enough to cause a leak.

It was a small leak so I figured I would try some Barr's stop leak. I thought to myself "it's just a plow Jeep made up of mismatched parts so who cares, right?" The additive fixed the leak in the radiator but then ruined the front seal of the water pump! Now I have to take the radiator out anyway - Just Empty Every Pocket . . . .

Most people refer to it as the weep hole or tattle tale.