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Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 17:11
by RCN
1990 1.9L WBX, Auto.
Coming back home the coolant temp. needle shoots to the left and the light starts sending Morse code.
I got off the road ASAP and took the engine lid off, while plumes of steam rolls out.
the culprit is a little "plug" on the top of the water pump. It's held on by a jubilee clip.
Can anyone tell me what it is called, what does it do...
and more importantly, where can i buy a new one? I looked at Just Kampers, Brickwerks, VW Heritage sites and don't see any thing listed
Cheers
Re: Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 18:07
by itchyfeet
Replacement late waterpumps are the same for 2.1 and 1.9,
the 2.1 has an extra connection on the pump the 1.9 does not
so the pump has a hole that needs either a threaded tube or a plug
got a spare here looks like the thread is m10x1
not sure about a jubilee clip, perhaps somebody has tried to cap off the tube insert for a 2.1?
banjo bolt is probably the cheapest solution if thats whats wrong
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M10-x-1-00-st ... 256caa0bc1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 18:24
by RCN
Thanks for the reply Itchyfeet, there are no threads on mine, just a "stem" that looks like a hose would have gone over it and clipped tight. Any idea where i can get a new one, or what do people do otherwise (hose/bolt/silicone/jubilee clip) "T" junction to another hose?
Re: Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 18:28
by itchyfeet
The stem will most probably unscrew, what you then need is an m10x1 screw, as said banjo will probably work
cheers
Paul
Re: Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 19:00
by RCN
Thanks Paul
Just went to have a look and a little try. You are so very helpful!
I had to have it recovered and towed back because of it, so i was really feeling a bit down about it.
Now i have at least two options and if i need to i'll just get that stem off and blank the hole

Re: Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 19:30
by itchyfeet
Do yourself a favour while you are at it, take the belt off and spin it, check its smooth to turn, then check if there is alot of play in the bearing.
if its rough or alot of play replace it before it lets you down with a good one from brickwerks or vw heratige
Make sure you dont overtighten the belt on replacing it, thats often cause of pump failure
i fit the belt loose at first and keep tightening it until the alternator stops squealing on startup so it is never too tight
cheers
Paul
Re: Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 19:35
by itchyfeet
This is another solution but a bit of a bodge, jamb one of these in the end of a 10mm id rubber pipe which i assume is on the end of the metal pipe, then use a jubilee clip
personally id rather get a bolt to seal it off
http://www.screwfix.com/p/solder-ring-s ... of-2/25923" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
cheers
Paul
Re: Lost a lot of coolent
Posted: 29 Jun 2014, 20:03
by RCN
Good advice. I'll do that after work . My luck, next week the pump would have gone
I don't mind the work, but i only want to do it once