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Signs of Water Pump Failure?
- Thread starter RJS
- Start date
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TR3driver
Great Pumpkin - R.I.P
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Most often, the first sign is leaking water.
But if it's making noise, you should be able to disconnect the fan belt, turn the pump by hand, and feel the roughness in the bearings. Repeat the check with the generator/alternator while you're in there.
My fan belt has starting making noises that could easily be interpreted as bearing noises. I wasn't certain myself until I demonstrated that the noise goes away temporarily if I spray a little belt dressing on the belt.
But if it's making noise, you should be able to disconnect the fan belt, turn the pump by hand, and feel the roughness in the bearings. Repeat the check with the generator/alternator while you're in there.
My fan belt has starting making noises that could easily be interpreted as bearing noises. I wasn't certain myself until I demonstrated that the noise goes away temporarily if I spray a little belt dressing on the belt.
Don Elliott
Obi Wan
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When I restored my 1958 TR3A in 1990, my neighbour turned a new shaft from a bar of stainless steel and since then, I've had no water pump issues having driven 108,000 miles. The seals and bearing were replaced then as well as the new shaft.
OP
RJS
Jedi Warrior
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Thanks Gents,
Exactly the info I was seeking. I was able to pinpoint the sound to the waterpump by putting one of those long transmission funnels up to my ear and listening around the engine (good alternative to a mechanics stethoscope).
The best I can describe the sound is a whirry or whooshing sound - not too loud but constant. I'll pull the belt tomorrow and spin the pump and alternator by hand. Also, I'll check the belt itself for the source of the sound.
Good to know it won't fly apart inside but, that it will start leaking once it ultimately fails.
Bob
Exactly the info I was seeking. I was able to pinpoint the sound to the waterpump by putting one of those long transmission funnels up to my ear and listening around the engine (good alternative to a mechanics stethoscope).
The best I can describe the sound is a whirry or whooshing sound - not too loud but constant. I'll pull the belt tomorrow and spin the pump and alternator by hand. Also, I'll check the belt itself for the source of the sound.
Good to know it won't fly apart inside but, that it will start leaking once it ultimately fails.
Bob
Don Elliott
Obi Wan
Offline
Bob - If you over-tighten the fan belt by forcing the support bar that secures the generator, the extra force with a tight belt can cause a side force on the water pump pulley and shaft resulting is a premature water pump seal failure.
It can also cause the key (or keyway) that secures the pulley to the water pump shaft to start to wear and then it may wobble and cause a noise.
It can also cause the key (or keyway) that secures the pulley to the water pump shaft to start to wear and then it may wobble and cause a noise.