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Troubleshooting
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Water Pump Failure Overheating
1996 - 2005 BMW VW Audi Water Pump Failure Overheating
Introduction
Engine coolant is used to transfer heat from the
engine to the
radiator
by the cooling system.
The radiator remove heat from the coolant by forcing air through the radiator fins.
Without coolant your engine will over heat and if left unattended sever engine
damage will occur. The water pump is driven by a belt, powered by the engine which
circulates coolant when the engine is running. This pump utilizes centrifugal force
to pull the coolant from the block to the
radiator. On some BMW Volkswagen and Audi cars had a common problem that the
water pump impeller would become 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 possesses this problem it will over heat rapidly much like a thermostat
failure.

Failed BMW, VW, Audi Water Pump
Troubleshooting Procedure
WARNING! Only inspect vehicle when it has completely cooled
down preferably over night or personal injury can occur.
- Check Water Pump Operation - To trouble shoot 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 multi
rib 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.
Troubleshooting
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Water Pump Failure Overheating
Check Manufacturer Specific Engine
Over Heating Questions and Answers
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