Water pump and starter
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Yountville CA
Water pump and starter
Hi out there.
1. My C5 has 105,000 miles on it and I am fearful that the water pump is about to go out since the temp guage is reading warmer that used too. I've had it checked and the techs say that everything is in good working order, thermostat, hoses, pressure etc. When a car gets that many miles on it does it just run warmer from age. I've changed the oil every 3000 miles and it runs like new otherwise.
2. My Vette has been increasingly hard to start these last few days. It has a new battery but the engine almost didn't turn over this morning. I think it may be the starter. Some help on both issues is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Mindy
1. My C5 has 105,000 miles on it and I am fearful that the water pump is about to go out since the temp guage is reading warmer that used too. I've had it checked and the techs say that everything is in good working order, thermostat, hoses, pressure etc. When a car gets that many miles on it does it just run warmer from age. I've changed the oil every 3000 miles and it runs like new otherwise.
2. My Vette has been increasingly hard to start these last few days. It has a new battery but the engine almost didn't turn over this morning. I think it may be the starter. Some help on both issues is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Mindy
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Welcome to the forum.
These cars tend to pick up a lot of crud from the road and by your description I would suspect the radiator is in need of cleaning. Best way to do this is to pull the upper radiator support so you can actually see the radiator well. One that is very dirty may require removal so the fins can be thoroughly cleaned.
On the starting, have you tried charging the battery then starting? Even though you have a new battery, I would investigate whether the charging system is keeping up as the battery may be discharging while you are driving the car due to low alternator output. The alternator can be quickly checked by any service tech very easily. Also, keep an eye on the voltage while driving to see if that has any indications of problems. It should read a low of about 13.5 or so up to about 14.5 volts.
These cars tend to pick up a lot of crud from the road and by your description I would suspect the radiator is in need of cleaning. Best way to do this is to pull the upper radiator support so you can actually see the radiator well. One that is very dirty may require removal so the fins can be thoroughly cleaned.
On the starting, have you tried charging the battery then starting? Even though you have a new battery, I would investigate whether the charging system is keeping up as the battery may be discharging while you are driving the car due to low alternator output. The alternator can be quickly checked by any service tech very easily. Also, keep an eye on the voltage while driving to see if that has any indications of problems. It should read a low of about 13.5 or so up to about 14.5 volts.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
I agree with Vettenuts, using air or water, reverse back outward from the AC condensor and radiator, all the tiny rocks that get trapped in there. You will be surprised at the pile you will get. Also, this needs to be done once a year if you are driving it that much. Temperature rising usually has nothing nothing to do with the water pump unless it looses the bearing seal and you'll know what one real fast.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,493
Likes: 1,178
From: Dyer, IN
