Waterpump Failing ( Updated )

[96RS Alex]

I noticed a small amount of coolant on the ground centered directly under the front of the engine. I traced it to the waterpump and the pulley is seen slightly wobbly at idle. With the motor off I shook the pulley and confirmed it has play. I called Autozone and was surprised to know that they had my name in their system 1 yr ago and the Duralast waterpump #CWP-632 has a lifetime warranty meaning this wont cost me a dime but the time and effort spent on it. Planned startdate to tear it down is Aug 27th as I'm assuming its not a major problem yet. Question is what "tried & true" stop leak additives can be added to buy some time? I've heard myths of ground pepper to stop a leak but I am curious now. Thanks!

[ September 05, 2005, 07:45 PM: Message edited by: 96RS Alex ]

[Jerriko]

Nothing. If the seals were bad, you could use one of the additives and maybe get lucky. But since you have a wobbly, it will never seal. Replace it asap.

[96RS Alex]

Hey Jerriko thanks for the info, it's using a lot of water now everytime I check the coolant level. I hope running straight water is just as good until I replace the pump with 50/50 mix.
Another tip I heard was to use distilled water after the fix. All the hoses and thermostat check out good so far.

[3.4 slow to go]

yes, neverput tap in (if youcain help it), distilled wont have all those minerals in it. tastes nasty to.

[Jerriko]

Originally posted by 96RS Alex:
Hey Jerriko thanks for the info, it's using a lot of water now everytime I check the coolant level. I hope running straight water is just as good until I replace the pump with 50/50 mix.
Another tip I heard was to use distilled water after the fix. All the hoses and thermostat check out good so far.

Eventually, if you keep running the car the way it is, the water pump will freeze up (stop working). So unless you want a cooked block, fix it asap.

[Tyler]

make sure you have antifreeze or dexcool also.. i just learned that my water pump went out because i used nothing but water in my cooling system. dexcool or antifreeze acts as a lubricant as well as a cooling agent, or "antifreezing" agent..

[Jerriko]

NEVER EVER EVER use dexcool. That sh*t is garbage.

[96RS Alex]

UPDATE: I had some spare time to show what a good job I did so here are several pics what was involved. I'm still learning about photo webhosting, so you'll get the picture.

Finished pump & top radiator hose P/N 465 Autozone
Serpentine belt orientation & Lower radiator hose P/N 466X Autozone

Waterpump on block P/N CWP632 Autozone

View of waterpump removed & block

After the chemical flush & draining the old coolant out its fairly easy to remove. A cool engine left over night also helps too.
1- Remove the intake air ducts, the top hose & the serpentine belt. Then the 4 bolts that hold the pulley in front of the waterpump.
2- Next, remove the AC compressor & power steering pump. I found it easier to strap these components away with coat hanger wire for extra clearance to work with.
3- Remove the lower hose. At this point you may want to remove the entire radiator to flush out any coolant left inside and remove debris such as leaves I found lodged under it. Makes for a better & cool airflow.
4- Remove the waterpump by knocking it off with a rubber mallet. There are 3 different sizes of bolts that retain it. I soaked the boltheads with penetrant prior to this step. On the left of the pump there is a small hose, remove & replace if worn.
5- Remove the old gasket material. I used a Black & Decker cordless 6.0 volt drill with a wire brush cup to effectively clean any residue for a good seal afterwards.
6- Take your new waterpump and apply clear silicone gasket maker on the surface where the new gasket sits on, wait until tacky then gently position & center the new gasket on your waterpump. After a slight cure, coat the top of the gasket with your forefinger, this will ensure a clean good seal to the block
7- Before installing the waterpump, clean the bolt holes thoroughly. Also clean each waterpump bolt with the wire brush cup to remove any old gasket residue that may be on the threads. This step prevents odd torque-down & stripped threads in the block. Light lubricant on the bolt threads will help for easier installation
8- Place waterpump onto the block & install the large bolts in first to hold and position the pump. The rest of the bolts may now be snugged in and carefully torque them down in a criss-cross pattern. Install the lower hose now.
9- I let the gasket sealer cure overnight. The next day I resumed the reinstallation of the waterpump pulley, power steering pump, AC compressor, serpentine belt & top radiator hose. Refill radiator with Prestone 50/50 mix & retighten the hose clamps before starting the engine. A new vented radiator cap is a good idea to install afterwards.
10- Run the engine til you see the coolant level drop suddenly, then top it off with more coolant.
Install intake ducts, the new vented cap and check for leaks while engine is running. Check your temperature gauge, mines was pegged at 170 degrees. Drive around for a more accurate reading and recheck for leaks.
60% Distilled water and 40% Prestone works too.

Now your car is ready for happy cruising.

[ September 04, 2005, 12:16 PM: Message edited by: 96RS Alex ]