Noisey Waterpump (late 2.1 DJ motor)

[PaulG]

Hi folks,

Over the recent weekend I have noticed the beginnings of a low pitched whining noise from the waterpump on my 2.1DJ motor. There is a single drop of coolant hanging from the bottom corner of the oil cooler, but I can't yet tell where that originates. There is no play in the pump bearings (yet?). I have passed through the denial stage and believe this to be the beginning of the end for this pump. It is about 6 years old and a Brickwerks supplied and fitted unit - so totally trusted parts and workmanship. It's done a bout 20,000 miles or less of highdays and holidays van use.

My question is, how long is a piece of string, or put another way, how long before catastrophic failure? Is decline normally rapid, or might I get reliable use out of it for the rest of the Summer? Will it get gradually worse or just go "pop".

I don't feel confident to change this myself so it will need a trip to Brickwerks, and we all know how busy they are!

Many thanks in advance for the help. See some of you at T3 BusMeet I hope, and we can all have a listen to it!

PaulG

[Ralf85]

If it's definitely the pump, replace it now before it fails and you lose your engine on a motorway in the middle of your holiday!

[itchyfeet]

Agreed replace imediately or you will be coming home on a recovery truck, the only time I was recovered it was the pump and it went without as much warning as you have had.

I have to say the Meyle pump I got from VW Heratige looks better made then the pump I got from Brickwerks.

Least you can do is loosen the alternator and then spin the pump by hand, it should be easy to feel if its smooth or not.

Not so hard to do yourself.

[CovKid]

Echoed. Not a job to view as "it will be fine for now". They often go catastrophically without warning and you can cook your engine rapidly. I got very close to that but was just plain lucky. Get it changed. Its a lot cheaper.

[PaulG]

UPDATE:
With the aid of contortionism and a dental mirror I have now discovered the drain hole in the underside of the pump and a pink trail of coolant stains down to the bottom corner of the oil cooler where it then drips on the floor.. ...

The inevitable I guess. Case closed!

PaulG

[CovKid]

That leak is the only pre-warning you get too.

[PaulG]

UPDATE: Thanks for the replies guys. Pump got worse and was noisier than background engine noise, and it also made the rear bumper vibrate! Now replaced with a new one from Brickwerks, plus new aux belt. Work done by new-to-me local garage in Coventry called "Volks". Garage came recommended, and work seems up to scratch.

Hopefully see some of you at the T3 BusMeet at the weekend.

PaulG

[Ralf85]

Good news. Always nice to hear what happened next!