Water Pump Worries

**Bill** · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 07:31 AM

After my babys been sitting in the body shop waiting to be fixed for 9 months, I decided to change out the thermostat and the hoses to match the new radiator.The old thermostat was broken open so never really put any pressure to the system but also never really warmed up to operating temp. except on the hottest of days.
Anyway after changing out bits and pieces, filling and bleeding, cranked her up and was sprayed by a fine mist of antifreeze, and a little puddle appeared under the car.
Turned it off, double checked my connections and went searching with a flashlight and mirror. I think I have found a spot on the waterpump housing that is passing liquid.
So my questions are:
1. By replacing the broken thermo with the correct new 180deg. one did I add pressure to an already weak system and blow a gasket?
2. Did I not bleed it correctly and blow a gasket?
3. Can I just tighten the cover bolts and maybe get away with it?
4. Whats the best way short of pulling the engine to replace the water pump?
5. Who offers the best fitting and working pump?

As always thanks in advance for everyones sage advise and expertise.
Man, its good to be back!

Bill

**ghnl** · #2 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 08:44 AM

I doubt the new T-stat caused the problem. It may have aggravated an already weak point. And sitting for 9 months did not help.

(umm, maybe your car is "pissed" at you for not driving it for so long...?)

Certainly you can try tightening the water pump mounting bolts. Probably won't fix it but it can't hurt - just don't tighten so hard you break a stud!

You don't have to pull the engine to replace the water pump. You will need to remove the radiator & either remove the crank pulley -or- 'double nut' the lower studs and remove them so you can maneuver the pump out from behind the pulley.

**vf31rhill** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 08:45 AM

Water pumps usualy fail at the input shaft seal. All water pumps have a weep hole in the bottom of the nose housing, and the purpose of this hole is to let any water leaking past the seal to exit the housing rather than circulate through the pump bearing and ruin the bearing. Just a guess, but you are probably seeing coolant which exited the weep hole and fell on the pump housing. If it falls on the fan belt while the engine is running, that would product the fine mist. Nothing you did would "cause" this to happen. It is a matter of time and use, and water pumps are not servicable. They last until they fail. The only thing you can do to hasten the failure date is to over-tighten the fan belt which puts excessive sideways pressure on the water pump bearing. If the bearing fails, it will take the seal out with it.

You don't have to pull the engine to replace the pump. But you do have to remove the radiator and fan shroud, not exactly an enjoyable experience. Especially if you have an A/C model. You might get away with just removing the fan shroud, fan and fan hub, but you need to check with others to see if you can get away with this on your particular model.
Robert

alfanovice · #4 (**permalink**) 07-18-2008, 10:28 AM

Most likely the waterpump, but tightening the bolts won't hurt. After sitting for 3 months I took my Spider out for it's 1st spring run and was going alon nicely when I suddenly saw a cloud of smoke (steam) in my rearview. I pulled over and shut down, popped the hood and found water pouring from the front of the waterpump. I automatically assumed the worst and replaced the pump. While tearing it down I found that the gasket had blown out. Probably the pump was ok, but since I had the new one and the front of the car torn down I changed it anyway (the car had 90k on it, and appears to be mostly original). Replacing the pump isn't a big job, but removing th crank pully makes it a lot easier.

**Bill** · #5 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 12:13 AM

Thanks for the info and your input. It always amazes me the depth of knowledge on this board. I will be giving this a harder look this weekend and will get back to ya'll later with what I find.
If the pump is indeed needing replacement, who carries one, with the gasket, that is closest to original?

Thanks again,
Bill

**Tifosi** · #6 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 12:41 AM

Most of the regular vendors should be able to hook you up with the proper bits.

Likely the biggest decision you'll have to make, and it's already been mentioned, is whether to pull the crank pulley or a couple waterpump studs. (if it matters, the radiator has to come out for the crank pulley, it doesn't for the studs)