A pump in a car engine is a device needed to circulate fluid in the cooling system. If the pump malfunctions, the engine can be seriously damaged due to overheating, so it is important to check its condition.
Causes of pump damage
Pumps, or water pumps of different car models are similar to each other: a shaft is fixed in the cover on bearings, on one side of which there is an impeller, and on the other - a drive pulley, through which the pump rotor is driven by a timing belt. A special oil seal is integrated between the impeller and the casing. If it is damaged, coolant will seep into the bearings and flush out the lubricant. For this reason, water pump bearings are noisy and can jam. The process of bearing wear is not the fastest, but you should not postpone repairs for a long time, otherwise such carelessness can cost an expensive engine repair.
Checking pump status
There are several ways to check the health of the pump. One of the easiest ways is considered to be the one in which it is necessary to squeeze the upper hose coming from the radiator, preheating the car engine. If the water pump is in working order, then a clear pulsation of the coolant should be felt inside the hose.
When checking in this way, be careful not to touch the water pump blades with your hands, as the engine is heated to a high temperature.
In the event that the oil seal is out of order, coolant will begin to flow from a special hole on the water pump. It is necessary to remove the timing belt cover and inspect the inspection and ventilation hole. If there are brown deposits on it, the oil seal must be replaced without the pump itself or with it.
The procedure for replacing the oil seal is not very time-consuming and complicated, but it strongly affects the health of the cooling system as a whole, so it cannot be neglected.
If the pump shaft bearings are damaged, a howling sound can be heard at the front of the motor during operation. To determine bearing wear, check shaft play by loosening the pump drive sprocket.
If there are no external signs of wear on the water pump, it is still recommended to remove the pump and conduct a more detailed inspection. This must be done, since it is not uncommon to see blades damaged by corrosion on the rotor on the reverse side. In such a situation, the performance of the cooling system as a whole is at risk.
