How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
When a water pump gets replaced, it`s not unusual to have some coolant leaking and for the weep hole to see some seepage. If the leak is small, it could just be from the seal`s break-in period.
Leaks tend to occur when the gaskets and seals that connect the water pump to the cooling system fail as they get older, causing coolant liquid to leak and puddle under the engine. This can grow into a more serious issue when the water pump casing develops a leak.
The whole purpose of pump seals – either mechanical seals or packing seals – is to contain the pressure of the pumping process and withstand the friction of the pump shaft rotating to prevent the pump from leaking.
Permatex Water Pump and Thermostat RTV Silicone Gasket is a non-corrosive, sensor-safe RTV silicone gasket material formulated specifically for water pumps and thermostat housings. This gasket maker has the highest water-glycol resistance available in an RTV silicone.
An improper seating, damaged seal, or misaligned gasket can mean the water pump is not operating efficiently or, worse, is under undue stress from misalignment. Improper installation will likely also cause immediate leakage from the mounting surface.
It may not be needed, but it helps hold the gasket in place and doesn`t hurt. Just don`t gob it on there where it squishes out the sides much.
The most common is improper lubrication when the incorrect lubricant is used or not enough is applied. Bearings also fail in extreme temperatures. Another cause of failure is bearing overload, e.g., a pump cavitating from lacking the proper flow will increase pressure on the impeller`s front.
This is a preemptive sign of water pump wear and or seal failure. While your system is hot or under pressure, fluid will leak out, but once the engine cools it will stop.
One of the common signs of bad water pump functionality is overheating. The pump may not leak coolant, but the pump mechanism itself may have failed. Over time the fins of the pump can actually wear down to the point where they are no longer moving coolant.
With the engine off, open your hood and locate the water pump pulley. With gloves on, grab it and wiggle it back and forth. There should be no movement, if there is, this along with the noise is a good indication you may have a water pump problem.
Yes, your water pump can leak even if your engine is off.
Hoses can be damaged, which can cause them to rupture. It`s definitely possible, but you shouldn`t start worrying about replacing any parts just yet.
Both pumps were supplied with a cellulose / rubber binder gasket. These gaskets do not require the use of any sealants. However if the mating surface is damaged a small skim coat of sealant is allowable with these types of gaskets.
Typically Mechanical seals are usually manufactured in Carbon Ceramic, with a Stainless Steel Spring. Carbon is a good general choice for the majority of applications where a fluid is compatible, not contaminated and fairly clean. However at times a hard faced mechanical seal may be more appropriate.
Faulty seals are the most common reason for failure. An improper seating, damaged seal, or misaligned gasket can mean the water pump is not operating efficiently or, worse, is under undue stress from misalignment. Improper installation will likely also cause immediate leakage from the mounting surface.
So when the water pump must be replaced, it is a good idea to go ahead and also replace the timing belt, timing belt tensioner and idler pulleys.
Permatex Water Pump & Thermostat RTV Silicone Gasket Maker is a noncorrosive, sensor-safe RTV silicone gasket material formulated for water pumps and thermostat housings. Permatex Water Pump & Thermostat has the highest water-glycol resistance available in an RTV silicone.
It is important to always use lubrication during installation. If lubrication is not used at all or the proper amount is not used, it can take away what theoretically is being applied to the gasket.
Modern Water Pumps Can`t Be Lubricated A modern water pump has a permanently lubricated sealed bearing. There is a seal at the front (pulley side) of the bearing, and two seals at the rear (impeller side) of the bearing.
The water pump is one of the vehicle components that may never require replacement if your vehicle is well-taken care of. You can own a car for over 15 years and never have to replace the water pump. That`s not to say that it can`t develop a problem.
Can you drive a car with a leaky water pump? Yes you can, but there are a few risks. Your car could overheat because the coolant level becomes low. Proper coolant is expensive, so the leak has a certain cost.
Remember, a leaking and corroded water pump should always be replaced. Another tell-tale sign is sound. Worn out pump bearings, or a loose pulley, can cause a whirring noise.
It could be a leaking hose or a radiator hole. Solution: Check to see if any coolant is leaking from your hoses. If you find coolant flowing out of the hose(s), replace them. It`s a simple fix if you find coolant leaking from your thermostat.
To check if your pump is operating efficiently, measure the power consumed by the pump and check it against the pumps performance curve. The pump curve will specify how much power you should be using at the flow and pressure your pump is generating. This helps you to identify which pumps are not operating efficiently.