VIDEO: Cavitation Breaks Down Your Water Pump
Andrew Markel explores how tiny cavitation bubbles can damage a water pump. He also offers up three methods to control cavitation to make sure the replacement pump lasts a long time.
VIDEO: Water Pump Weep Hole Drains Are Moving
Andrew Markel covers how the drain for some water pump weep holes is moving to the block or front cover on some engines. The new location can make it difficult to diagnose a leaking water pump shaft seal or worn bearing. Many of these water pumps are turned by the timing chain or belt and can be buried deep under the front cover of the engine. Some of these leaks may look like a cracked block or leaking freeze plug.
VIDEO: Aligning The Belt After A Water Pump Replacement
Andrew Markel stresses the importance of a properly aligned belt and high quality gasket after a water pump job to prevent premature rapid wear during operation.
Heater Blowing Cold Air? It Could Be The Auxiliary Water Pump
How one component can upset your cooling system diagnostic logic.
BMW: Electric Water Pump Replacement
From the time I started working professionally in the automotive repair world, I have often told stories about the mechanics I used to hang around with when I was 14 or 15 years old. They would often complain about new technology and how they were not going to be able to work on cars anymore.
VIDEO: Radiator Cap Diagnostics For Water Pump Or Radiator Leaks
Andrew Markel explains how replacing the radiator cap is critical to any water pump or radiator leak job.
VIDEO: Avoid Water Pump Damage With The Correct Coolant Mix
Adam Redling explains the importance of properly mixing coolant and water to avoid damage to the water pump.
Water Pump Replacement: Nissan VQ-35 Series
At the top of the list of the most difficult water pumps to Âreplace are those found in the Nissan VQ-Series V6 engines.
Water Pump Damage From Tensioner Misalignment Or Damage
Visual inspection is required to verify the correct alignment of chain tensioner and guide. Inspect for broken, cracked or missing guide material as well. It is not advised to reuse misaligned components. Also, check the chain for any imperfections.
BMW Electric Water Pump Replacement
We recently had a 2007 BMW Z4 with the N52 engine in the shop. When diagnosing a faulty electric water pump, the first thing that needs to be done is to verify if there are any water pump-related diagnostic codes. There’s a very good chance there will be some. I then like to perform a visual inspection, but don’t look for the water pump from the top of the engine. You’ll want to drop the lower panels, and you will see the pump on the lower right side of the engine.
How Long Should A Water Pump Last?
The service life of most original equipment water pumps should be 100,000 miles or longer. Some cheap replacement water pumps, however, may not last 30,000 miles before they start to leak. That’s why you should recommend a top-quality replacement water pump if a customer’s old water pump has called it quits.
Auxiliary Water Pumps – How One Component Can Upset Your Cooling System Diagnostic Logic
A Mercedes comes into the shop with a complaint of poor heater performance. The driver says during cold mornings that the heater will blow cold while he’s driving to work during rush hour traffic. The car is not overheating and the air is coming from the correct ducts. Your first reaction might be to install a new thermostat and inspect the heater core for a blockage. During a test drive, the system may perform great for you. Is the customer just cold blooded?
