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Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 06:58
by chano
Hi,
I'm assuming i need to replace the water pump in my 1990 2.1 DJ. Engine is noisey (rattly bearing sound) and pump pulley is loose.
I think i can track down a new pump here on Gran Canaria, (would have one sent over from the UK but with christmas holidays approaching...) but was wondering how easy/hard a job it is for someone who is mechanically challenged?
I'm still using the van. Assuming it is the water pump, apart from the noisey bearings and loose pulley, is the pump still pumping coolant?
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Alan
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 07:49
by kevtherev
Yes it is still pumping
just changed mine for the same reasons.
took about two hours.
easy peasy
drop the coolant
undo the pulley wheel bolts
take off the belt
remove the hoses
remove the pump bolts
no drama or difficult bolt to get at
No sealant used just new gaskets
remember to get a DJ pump with the extra pipe for the oil cooler
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 08:08
by chano
Thanks, Kevtherev.
I'll dig out my Haynes manual and have a bash.
Alan
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 11:37
by chano
I can't find the post, but i thought i read somewhere on the forum that you don't need to 'raise the front of the vehicle' as per the Haynes manual when changing coolant. Any advice?
Alan
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 16:19
by axeman
i would aslo look changing the mail metle water pipe depending on the condishion of your existing one if your changing the pump (and dumping the coolent) as this pipe will leak at some point, they noemaly develop small pin prick holes in them on the welds for the spiggots,
that is what i would do,
preventive maintence.
neil
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 16:22
by R0B
you dont need to raise it.thats a fallacy..
i read somewhere on the forum that you don't need to 'raise the front of the vehicle
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 17:56
by kevtherev
No Robs right..
So to drop the coolant without emptying the rad and heater matrix..
Turn the heat to cool
Above the the nearside driveshaft are two 25mm pipes one has a plastic joiner.
Take off the engine side pipe (7mm jubilee or pipe clamp)) to this joiner and point it into a bucket.
it will empty 3/4 of a bucketfull of coolant.
I put it back in as G12+ is so ruddy expensive
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 21:25
by chano
Thanks. I had to to do a running repair on the small water pipe (two part metal paste) a few weeks ago as it had a small hole in it.
I can't locate a new pipe here on Gran Canaria, so will have to have it welded when i take it off. Bought the pump today, looks like the right one. i'll dig out my sparse tool kit and attempt to replace it over the weekend.
Alan
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 17 Dec 2009, 21:41
by kevtherev
Want me to come over and help?

Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 07 Jan 2010, 08:39
by chano
I'm going to have a bash at changing the coolant pump today. Didn't get around to attemting it before christmas.
The van is parked outside the house on a slight incline (parked with the rear of the van downhill). Do i need to move
the van to somewhere flat to drain the coolant?
Alan
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 07 Jan 2010, 16:41
by kevtherev
chano wrote: Do i need to move
the van to somewhere flat to drain the coolant?
Alan
No Alan
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 08 Jan 2010, 18:55
by chano
Thanks, Kevtherev.
Managed to get all the bolts loosened except one; the lower allen key bolt below the metal water pipe on the lower right of the coolant
pump. Looks like the previous owner has tried to remove it and left it nice and rounded and almost impossible to get the allen ket to grip. I'll have another go tomorrow, but i think it will have to be sawn of - if i can get at it with my junior hacksaw.
Any suggestions where i might find a new/used metal water pipe?
thanks
Alan
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 08 Jan 2010, 19:30
by kevtherev
GSF!
VW part No 025 121 081 G
quote that and you'll be reet
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 08 Jan 2010, 21:35
by chano
Thanks.
I`ll give them a call on Monday.
Re: Replacing water pump on 2.1 DJ
Posted: 09 Jan 2010, 07:20
by chano
Is that metal water pipe in two parts? Halfway along the pile there is a three inch rubber section secured
by circlips. If i remove this can i remove the coolant pump with the pipe still attached to the pump?
Thanks
Alan