How to Troubleshoot a Water Pump on a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
Cooling system technology has remained steady for a number of years, making diagnosis of a Silverado water pump a check-list operation. However, a new technology tool known as an infrared thermometer makes the test even easier, and will be included in the diagnostic procedures. Not only has this tool shortened testing time, it has broadened the accuracy by allowing additional test procedures to become integral and standardized to the process.
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Instructions
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Raise the hood, check the water level in the radiator, examine the radiator cap for seal integrity and rust accumulation. Any rust, cracks or corrosion and the cap must be replaced. Inspect the coolant system color. Any rust or discolored coolant and the radiator must be flushed and the coolant replaced. Carefully reach under the water pump body and locate the weep hold. Feel for coolant leaks at this hole. Any leaks indicate the seal has failed and the pump must be replaced. Grasp the water pump pulley and lift firmly up and press side to side. Any movement is a bearing failure and the pump must be replaced.
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Start the vehicle and allow the engine to reach operating temperature. Use the infrared thermometer to measure actual engine temperature. If the vehicle fails to reach manufacturer recommendations near 190 degrees, replace the thermostat. Measure the radiator at the top and compare the readings to the bottom. The temperature should read slightly hotter at the bottom as the hot coolant enters and cooler at the top. If there are hot spots in the radiator, it has blockage and should be repaired or replaced.
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Test the water-pump for hot spots which could lead to cavitation. Cavities form in poor operating systems. This liberates oxygen from the water, which in turn leads to rusted impellers. In other words, the pump looks great on the outside, but is rusted out inside. Slow water volume through the pump is a death blow to the engine, so if there is any anomaly with the pump readings, replace the pump.
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References
- Photo Credit radiator humor image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
