Water Pump Failure and Overheating
Water Pump Failure
Engine coolant is used to transfer heat from the engine to the
radiator by the cooling system. The
radiator removes heat from the coolant by forcing air through the radiator fins.
Without coolant your engine will overheat and severe engine damage will occur. The
water pump is driven by a belt and powered by the engine which circulates coolant
when the engine is running. This pump utilizes a veined impeller to pull the coolant
from the block to the radiator. Some BMW, Volkswagen and Audi cars have a
common problem that the water pump impeller becomes dislodged from the input shaft
of the water pump leaving the water pump
looking ok from the outside, but failed on the inside. If your car experiences this
problem it will over heat rapidly much like a thermostat failure.
Failed Water Pump Troubleshooting Procedure
Check Water Pump Operation - To troubleshoot this problem first drain about a half a gallon out of the cooling system, next remove the thermostat from the engine. With the thermostat out start the engine (stand back) coolant should be forced out of the thermostat port, if not the impeller has dislodged itself from the water pump input shaft and needs to be replaced. To replace the water pump finish draining the remainder of engine coolant, remove the serpentine belt and coolant hoses. Next remove the water pump mounting bolts and remove the water pump. Clean gasket surfaces and reinstall new water pump and reassemble. Refill with coolant and recheck system, top off engine coolant after it has re-cooled. If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer specific instructions and information by clicking - Auto Repair Manual Car Repair Information
Failed Water Pump Troubleshooting Procedure
Check Water Pump Operation - To troubleshoot this problem first drain about a half a gallon out of the cooling system, next remove the thermostat from the engine. With the thermostat out start the engine (stand back) coolant should be forced out of the thermostat port, if not the impeller has dislodged itself from the water pump input shaft and needs to be replaced. To replace the water pump finish draining the remainder of engine coolant, remove the serpentine belt and coolant hoses. Next remove the water pump mounting bolts and remove the water pump. Clean gasket surfaces and reinstall new water pump and reassemble. Refill with coolant and recheck system, top off engine coolant after it has re-cooled. If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer specific instructions and information by clicking - Auto Repair Manual Car Repair Information