In fact, the engine’s ability to run is directly connected to a functioning water pump. The water pump is constantly operating while the car is running. The cooling system is a closed and self-contained system which is why any coolant leaks essentially result in system failure. Once there, the water pump shoots the coolant into the vehicle’s engine where it will eventually end up back in the car’s cooling system. The water pump pulls the cooled coolant out of the radiator and into the pump’s core, the centrifuge. This is important as the concept and the function of a water pump is to be the centrifuge for the vehicle’s cooling system. Like most parts in the engine compartment, the water pump is belt-driven and thus relies completely upon the engine’s crankshaft and the serpentine belt as its power source. To best visualize what a water pump does and means to a car, think of it as the car’s heart. How Far Can You Drive With a Bad Water Pump?.To prevent water pump failures, consumers should be educated about the importance of periodically draining and flushing the coolant in their cooling system. Most of the time, water pump failure is a result of insufficient maintenance. While it’s possible for a water pump to fail from normal wear, it’s not very common (at least if we’re talking about OEM quality water pumps). Prevent Water Pump Problems With Rigorous Maintenance The pump will begin to leak, the pump’s impellers will be corroded (thus reducing efficiency), or the seal between the block and the pump will be damaged and leaking. Unfortunately, corrosion only becomes detectable when the water pump requires repair. Corrosion often occurs when the fluid in the cooling system is not properly maintained, or when the fluid is replaced with a mix that includes tap water (distilled water should always be used when refilling cooling systems). Otherwise, it can damage the pump’s drive pulley and lead to premature bearing and/or casting failure.Īlthough harder to detect, corrosion kills a lot of water pumps. If a belt is over-tightened, it must be replaced and the tensioner reset. A failed belt means a non-operational water pump, which is as catastrophic as a broken water pump. If the belt isn’t sufficiently snug, it should be tightened to specification, and this tightness should be checked regularly. The belt should not be worn, cracked, or slipping. Regular visual inspections should include the belt that drives the water pump pulley (if applicable). In fact, many water pumps come with the drive pulley already installed. This will cause pump failure as well.įor these reasons, it’s recommended that the water pump drive pulley be replaced at the same time as the water pump itself. This reduces pump efficiency before eventually causing failure.Īdditionally, a wobbling drive pulley can cause the water pump’s impeller to become imbalanced. If the water pump’s drive pulley is vibrating, the pulley bearings will wear and eventually fail. Air pockets stuck in the engine blocks will also result in localized overheating of the engine block.Ī loose or wobbling drive pulley is another source of trouble. Excess air in the cooling system can lead to corrosion and/or a reduction in pump efficiency. While a seal that’s leaking coolant is bad, it’s often the air intake that’s worse. This seal can fail if it is improperly installed, if the vehicle isn’t operated for weeks at a time, or if the coolant becomes corrosive. It also keeps excess air from getting into the cooling system. The seal between the water pump housing and the engine block keeps coolant from leaking out of the engine.

Coolant leaking from water pump pulley