Was getting the truck ready for it's winter hybernation. I threw some Sta-bil in it and took a quick 3mile drive around the block. Back it into it's parking spot and noticed the temp gauge made a quick move to the hot side. I have noticed this once before while at an intersection. It got hot fast then as quickly went back down to where it normally runs at. I shut the truck off and opened the hood to feel the radiator hose and noticed a little bit of steam and antifreeze coming from what appeared to be the gasket area on the side of where the water pump and block meet. I thought this was a bit wierd.

Is this indicative of a bad water pump or something else. That water pump probably has less than 5000 miles on it so I thought it was a bit strange. Maybe a stuck thermostat???? Any ideas?

1992 D150 5.2 fuel injected /Auto trans 120,000

Sounds like a dying t-stat to me. Never seen a waterpump do anything other than leak out the weep hole when they go bad. Grab the fan and wiggle it to see if the pump bearing is bad.

T-stats are cheap, swap a new one in a see what happens???

The water pump bolts right up to the timing chain cover and not directly to the block itself. You might want to re-gasket the waterpump/timing cover if yours is leaking.

I think I'll try the Thermostat first, then check for leaks. I was wanting to avoid pulling the pump off, but I will regasket it if the pump seems bad or there is a leak.