Water Pump Possibly Going Bad?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,813
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From: Work
St. Jude Donor '09
Water Pump Possibly Going Bad?
Lately I, much like may other forum members, have noticed my car running pretty warm. Once warmed up it would average in the 230 range and even much higher when in traffic. After investigating the usual issues I think that my water pump is going out on me.
It was replaced 2 years ago. I have noticed that when the car is hot (230-240) the two main heater hoses (in and out of the radiator) are not the same firmness. One is much easier to squeeze. Though it does have some flow through it I would think that both would be of similar firmness. BTW, this is while the car is running.
Any ideas?
Also...I have replaced the thermostat, there's plenty of water/coolant, and there isn't anything clogging up the air flow infront of the radiator.
Thank you for any ideas.
Eric
It was replaced 2 years ago. I have noticed that when the car is hot (230-240) the two main heater hoses (in and out of the radiator) are not the same firmness. One is much easier to squeeze. Though it does have some flow through it I would think that both would be of similar firmness. BTW, this is while the car is running.
Any ideas?
Also...I have replaced the thermostat, there's plenty of water/coolant, and there isn't anything clogging up the air flow infront of the radiator.
Thank you for any ideas.
Eric
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 17,705
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From: Closer to home
Re: Water Pump Possibly Going Bad? (HOWSER)
Hey Eric, this was my experience, it may or may not apply to your situation.
I took a four hour trip over the Christmas holidays. On the way back, I noted I was running hotter than usual. As I got stuck in Wash DC traffic, :U I watched the temp gauge climb ever higher...at one point getting pegged. As traffic began to flow, I noticed that I had to run in 4th or 5th gear to keep the revs up and pull the temps down to a normal range.
When I got home, I checked the weep hole and sure enough, a small drop of water was present. I then did the opti/water pump repair and everything is fine.
With yours being only 2 yr old, I would think that it would have more life in it, but ya never know. If everything else is good, I'd suspect the pump. Good luck.
I took a four hour trip over the Christmas holidays. On the way back, I noted I was running hotter than usual. As I got stuck in Wash DC traffic, :U I watched the temp gauge climb ever higher...at one point getting pegged. As traffic began to flow, I noticed that I had to run in 4th or 5th gear to keep the revs up and pull the temps down to a normal range.
When I got home, I checked the weep hole and sure enough, a small drop of water was present. I then did the opti/water pump repair and everything is fine.
With yours being only 2 yr old, I would think that it would have more life in it, but ya never know. If everything else is good, I'd suspect the pump. Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 48
From: Lakeport CA
Re: Water Pump Possibly Going Bad? (Podracer)
I thought the front of my radiator was clean too but when I got the shroud off the amount of gunk between the condensor & actual radiator blew my mind!! It was almost a solid inch of matted dirt & hair, pine needles etc. that blocked over half of the radiator. I ended up pulling the whole radiator before I could get it off & cleaned out properly. I will be pulling the shroud every few years from now on... and it is a major pain in the...!! :U
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
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From: Michigan in the summer, Florida the rest of the time
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'11
Re: Water Pump Possibly Going Bad? (HOWSER)
Eric,
Look at the underside of your hood for the telltale sign of a failing pump. If there's a gunk line that you need to clean off regularly, the pump is weeping and will fail soon.
Here's mine, just before failing:
Look at the underside of your hood for the telltale sign of a failing pump. If there's a gunk line that you need to clean off regularly, the pump is weeping and will fail soon.
Here's mine, just before failing:
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Water Pump Possibly Going Bad? (Podracer)
[QUOTE] As traffic began to flow, I noticed that I had to run in 4th or 5th gear to keep the revs up and pull the temps down to a normal range.
QUOTE]
This is another good reason to think about an electric water pump. It's flow is constant and your Vette will actually cool as it sits in traffic (unless your radiator is not working too well) No reving required which, again, keeps the heat down. :yesnod:
QUOTE]
This is another good reason to think about an electric water pump. It's flow is constant and your Vette will actually cool as it sits in traffic (unless your radiator is not working too well) No reving required which, again, keeps the heat down. :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 11,813
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From: Work
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: Water Pump Possibly Going Bad? (Trog)
I thought the front of my radiator was clean too but when I got the shroud off the amount of gunk between the condensor & actual radiator blew my mind!! It was almost a solid inch of matted dirt & hair, pine needles etc. that blocked over half of the radiator. I ended up pulling the whole radiator before I could get it off & cleaned out properly. I will be pulling the shroud every few years from now on... and it is a major pain in the...!! :U
