Water pump, a key element in engine cooling, is one of those components that, if it breaks down, can cause our vehicle stop running. Its function is to transfer excess heat to the outside to prevent the engine from overheating in addition to ensuring optimal sealing, preventing antifreeze or coolant leaks that can cause this overheating. There are several reasons why a water pump can fail such as improper use of sealants, corrosion damage, contamination… but there is also the possibility of the water pump failing due to common mistakes when installing it.
In today’s article we talk about the top 5 mistakes in the installation of a water pump and how to effectively install this key element of the cooling system.
Installing a water pump: Mistakes
1. Cooling System Preparation
One of the main and often overlooked problems is in the preparation of the system through which the water pump will circulate the coolant.
Before installing a water pump it will be especially important to flush, drain and refill the cooling system with the OE (original equipment) specified coolant mix. On the contrary, the correct operation of the new water pump would be jeopardized.
When preparing the cooling system, if you notice that the old coolant is very dirty, it is advisable to check the thermostat and replace it if necessary. If you’re unsure how to check thermostat car, ensure you follow proper steps, including inspecting the thermostat for signs of malfunction and verifying coolant flow behavior.
2. Improper mix of coolant and water
Another common error is found in contamination caused by the incorrect mix of coolant and water or its improper use. Contaminated or improperly mixed coolant can cause corrosion problems, the dreaded cavitation, and cause leaks between the two contact faces of the water pump’s dynamic seal.
When choosing the right coolant, it is essential to check the expiration date and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, as each individual engine is made from different materials and has specific needs.
3. Incorrect use of sealing paste
The use of sealing paste in the water pump is only necessary in those that are supplied without a gasket. Otherwise, if we add sealant when it is not needed, we will cause any particle of sealing paste that circulates through the cooling circuit coming from the pump gasket, which may affect the functionality of the dynamic seal, preventing the correct sealing function and causing a failure premature of it.
Incorrect use of sealing paste will directly affect the life expectancy of the water pump. Therefore, unless specified or referenced without a gasket, avoid the use of sealants.
4. Water pump dry rotation
Another mistake to avoid during installation is dry rotation of the water pump.
When refilling the cooling circuit after replacing the water pump, many manufacturers recommend that the pump be turned by hand until it is full. This fine-tuning of the pump can reduce the possibility of loss of the “mechanical” seal since the coolant liquid reaches the component of the mechanical seal creating a film that will prevent its spillage.
Otherwise, if the pump runs dry, it will cause damage to the seal, which may lead to premature leaks or squeaking noise in the water pump.
5. Water pump and timing belt
One of the most common mistakes is to overlook the distribution when we are doing the installation of the new water pump. The water pump is driven by the belt transmission system, which means that combining the replacement of both systems improves the quality and the safety of the process, which is why it is a highly recommended practice.
Previously the replacement of these two components was carried out separately, but nowadays it is more and more common to carry out this operation at the same time. This allows better vehicle performance and longer average lifespan of the water pump.
If the timing belt and other related items are installed incorrectly, this will directly affect the performance of the water pump.
