What happens when a water pump goes out?
The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant to the entire engine, and it gets its power from the engine. If any of the gears, bearings or the shaft are impaired, the water pump can break, become cracked or stop working altogether. There are several signs you can look out for to determine if…
When does a water pump need to be replaced?
There are some parts of a vehicle that, when failing, do not need to be immediately replaced. A water pump is not one of those parts. Due to the vital role the pump plays in cooling the engine, if it stops working, there will be fast consequences including possible all-out engine failure.
How does a water pump affect an engine?
The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant to the entire engine, and it gets its power from the engine. If any of the gears, bearings or the shaft are impaired, the water pump can break, become cracked or stop working altogether.
How can you tell if your water pump is bad?
One telltale sign of a soon-to-be-faulty water pump is a noticeable coolant leak toward the front of the vehicle. If the car is left overnight and you notice an orange or green (depending on the coolant you use) puddle on the ground, suspect the pump.
What else to change when changing water pump?
When changing a water pump, replace all old gaskets and seals with new ones . If your new pump comes with a seal, make sure it’s in impeccable condition before installing it. (Some seals are so thin you could easily damage them when you rip off the packaging.)
Is it necessary to change the water pump?
For the same reason, if a water pump is driven by a timing chain, a mechanic may recommend replacing it as a precaution if some work is done with the timing chain or in the same area. Again, it’s not necessary, but it will be a lot more expensive replacing it later, since many parts will have to come off to get to the water pump.
What does a bad water pump do?
When the water pump fails completely, it will not be able to circulate coolant through the engine block. This results in an overheating situation and if not repaired or replaced quickly, can cause additional engine damage like cracked cylinder heads, pushed head gaskets, or burnt pistons.
How often do you change the water pump on a car?
Water pumps have a long lifespan but it is often recommended to replace them at the same time you replace the timing belt. Most vehicles require that the timing belt be replaced at around 100,000 to 150,000 kilometres. By replacing the water pump at the same time, you reduce labour costs and help prevent unpleasant surprises.