What Is a Water Pump?

The automobile's water pump is an essential part of its cooling system. Most of these pumps are belt driven and act to circulate coolant/anti-freeze throughout the cooling system anytime the engine is running. Centrifugal force generated by the pump in a closed system forces coolant out in one direction while simultaneously drawing more fluid from the other side resulting in a continuous flow of fluid through the engine block to the radiator and back to the water pump.

History

The Mesopotamians concocted the first known water pump, called a "shaduf," around 3000 B.C.

Features

The engine block is engineered with numerous channels for coolant to pass through. Passageways around the cylinders and the combustion chambers are especially important because temperatures in these areas can approach 4,500 degrees F.

Types

The water pump is only one component of the complex cooling system on contemporary automobiles, which also includes the hoses, pressure cap, the radiator, drive belts and coolant.

Warning

Engines allowed to run without circulating coolant can seize up, causing extensive damage and requiring expensive repairs.

Fun Fact

The term "water pump" is a bit of a misnomer, because today's automobiles do not use plain water as a coolant.

Resources

• Water pump Q&As