Have a quick question. Beginning to see some coolant (reddish looking) puddle on the floor directly under the water pump/transmission check on the 01 Northstar. Doesn't have a puddle every time I stop but becoming more frequent.

When I had the tranny serviced they said it was ok with no leaks so that leaves the water pump area. I see a small red puddle on the pump area so could the pump be going or would it be a seal? What is better, replace the whole thing or just the seals? Estimated costs for parts/labor?

Thanks

Assuming what you are seeing is coolant and not trans fluid, it could be the pump shaft seal, pump front cover gasket, hose, thermostat gasket or crossover manifold gasket (least likely). Shaft seal would obviously leak from the shaft, that is on the back side and difficult to see without an inspection mirror. Not exactly sure just where you are seeing this puddle.

Is the car running hotter than usual?

Assuming that it's coolant, it's probably the water pump cover. It was redesigned sometime after '01 becaue it leaks. Mine was doing the same thing and it turned out to be that seal. I think I bought a new cover, too. I'm not sure if it's the cover or the seal or both that were redesigned.

Jim