eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.
Return to article: How to Tell if a Car's Water Pump Needs Replacement
Copyright © 1999-2010 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use † and Privacy Policy †. en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript
Post this comment to my Facebook Profile
Handmade Dreams said
on 5/30/2009 This is good info to have. My dear hubby usually takes care of all that but I like to know just in case. Thanks.
Dawn Adkins said
on 5/21/2009 I just wait until I'm stuck on the side of the road with steam spewing out of my hood But now I know Thank you.
John Rapp said
on 5/21/2009 you just taught me how to tell if a car's water pump needs replacement, and for that i am grateful. 5 stars!
jalyde said
on 5/11/2009 Great Information, Knowing this could have saved me a lot of stress a few years ago.
greatgreat8 said
on 5/11/2009 great tips, water pump needs replacement
billschess said
on 4/18/2009 I replaced radiator, radiator cap thermostat still over heats but not as bad as it did before I replaced everything above. I did not see any water movement when I took off the radiator cap while car running.
stever1998 said
on 3/8/2009 should i replace the water pump if just the pulley brakes off the four rivets
rich323 said
on 1/19/2009 what is position of water pump in relation to the thermostat in a bmw 525i? is the thermostat between the pump and the engine? if the thermostat is closed shut and engine is overheating, does the heater still put heat into the passenger compartment? if the heater is cold, does that imply the pump or the thermostat is not working? there is no leak or bearing sound.
rich323 said
on 1/19/2009 what is position of water pump in relation to the thermostat in a bmw 525i? is the thermostat between the pump and the engine? if the thermostat is closed shut and engine is overheating, does the heater still put heat into the passenger compartment? if the heater is cold, does that imply the pump or the thermostat is not working? there is no leak or bearing sound.
doncam02 said
on 1/8/2009 i just purchased a 92 cadiliac, i believe its the water pump but it leaks from the radiator...
what should i do?
is it possible that the connecting hose is the only problem? or the radiator could be the problem?
MitsuTech1025 said
on 10/22/2008 you should never put stop leak or anything in your coolant system other than water because it will get into your heater core and then you'll have a whole mess of other problems
ugaprof said
on 8/12/2008 1) The water pump on my Honda Accord lasted 200,000 miles...way to go Honda!
2)Typically when a water pump begins to leak it doesn't cause enough water loss to leave you stranded on the side of the road, but it does need to be replaced/repaired.
3) Engine coolant tends to be "thinner" than water and will leak through a bad water pump seal quicker than will water. So, if you see green coolant on the floor under your car, look for the location of its origin. If its near the water pump have it checked or replace it. Your cooling system could hold water but leak coolant--sounds strange, I know, but it happens.
4) Here are two temporary fixes for leaks to get you down the road: (a) coarse ground pepper-pour a 1/2 teaspoon in your radiator. It works for a while, (b) radiator sealer (like BarsLeaks) lasts maybe 5000 miles, (bonus #3)a raw egg-as seen on Mythbusters. DISCLAIMER: Remember,
Ariira said
on 7/25/2008 Notice that if you smell like rubber burning..it has something to do with your water pump damage..or check for radiator and even thermostat and leaking on hoses..that should be good!!
BOLA said
on 11/28/2007 Water pump: i just discovered oily liquid wet the parking floor from a used mazda 626 saloon car that i just got. my mechanic told me we need to replace the water pump but i asked what may have happened to water pump for it to leake sunddenly and cant answer so i doubt his reccommendation. Ola
khan123 said
on 10/10/2007 In my car Dodge neon 1998, i heard a sound as if something is loose in the bonnect. I knew something was wrong but did not pay muc attention. Later I realized the car was overheating. Then i saw the smoke comming out of the timing belt case (that is where the pump is underneath). Finally the engine stopped and i had to tow my car. There was big smoke comming from the bonnet. I also saw big leaks in the bottom of the car. Anyone has any idea, do i have to change the radiator as well, as the mechanic is asking me. And how about tension pulleys.