I just found a leak coming from my heater return pipe where it goes into the back of the water pump. This is the small pipe which appears to be going under the manifold. The end of it has rotted away enough that it's leaking out from where it connects to the water pump. I'm wondering if there is a way of replacing it without removing the manifold. The diagrams I have looked at show it has a quick connect fitting at the back of the engine and a bolt holding it in place near the back of the engine which appears to be under the manifold. I think it may be possible to splice in a new piece into the water pump and connect it to the existing pipe where there is access at the front of the engine. Has anyone tried this repair or replacement?
Any info would be appreciated! thanks