Club 80-90 Forums

I've finally found the source of my leak, it looks like its coming from the auxillary water pump that sits on the top of the engine. Is this a common problem? I've had a look at the pipes going in and out of the pump and they don't look worn or loose and looks like the water is coming from the pump. Want to make sure as they're not cheap.

If it is the pump are they pretty easy to replace? or is it a full drain?

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

The pump has an 'o' ring seal inside where the plastic meets the metal case, it is this that has perished and causes the leak.

However, if this is leaking i would be pretty sure the pump is not working like mine.

Looking about, there is a chance GSF stock them as they list an Aux water pump but it costs around £80 - although i havent spoke to them.

I have been doing a little research and there are lots of other diesel cars, mercedes etc that used auxillary pumps so i may go off to a scrap yard and see if i can pick up something cheap to try first.

To change / remove the unit you do not have to drain the system, you loose next to nothing in coolant when you disconnect.

I have removed mine altogether at the moment and just re-connected the pipes.


Cheers.

Thanks so much for the post, that's exactly the info I needed. I have seen on brickwerks there is one for £88. I did wonder if you could just use any sort of aux pump, if you find out that is the case you should get it on the wiki.

Going to have a look at this o ring over the weekend, hoping it's just that!

Do you know a way of testing the pump to see if it's working? I'm guessing if you ran the engine and then stopped it you could feel it pumping the coolant round?

The pump only works in two cases: firstly when the engine is turned over it operates just to stop siezing, secondly when the engine is hot after you turn off the ignition it will run to ensure coolant is circulated around the oilcooler.

To test the unit, it only has a positive and a negative connection (you will see when you pull the connector) so just connect to the battery and it should run.

To seperate the metal housing from the plastic end you have to bend up the 'tabs' then you can pull it apart - exposing the 'o' ring seal.

Check if it works first as i guess if water has got into the motor then it will be caput.

Ian.

As far as i know the following Aux pumps will fit:

All audi Turbo diesels from late '80's i.e Audi 80, 90, 100 etc.

Vw T4 2.5 ltr

Seems as though it was a std part across german car range inc Merc's.

Just gotta pick one up from a scrap yard now.

Nice, thanks load for the help. I owe you a pint!

Now where are those breakers yards...

I've managed to (eventually) get the pump off and tested it on the battery, as suspected it wasn't working. I put the pump back on and fitted it as tight as possible then started the engine. I could see a bit of water but there was alot less than before.

Going to start calling round the breakers yards tomorrow to see what they've got, there's loads round here so hopefully will be able to find one! Let me know if your having trouble and I'll keep an eye out for a couple.