4 replies to this topic

[mohammed]

Hi all

I recently changed all the rad hoses.. because the lower hose blow up after a hot days drive.. I'm jst concerned if the water pump is working proper.. How do u knw if it's not or is??

Thank in advance
Mohammed

[dklawson]

If the belt is driving the water pump pulley then you know the pump is being operated. With the radiator cap off you should see water circulating in the header tank of the radiator once the thermostat opens.. Prior to the thermostat opening you may see little or no movement of the coolant in the radiator header tank.

Pumps generally work until they experience bearing failure or loose an impeller blade due to corrosion. If you have been running antifreeze, it generally has rust inhibitors that will prevent pump corrosion so the eventual failure mode is likely to be bearing failure.

Some pumps move more water than others but all you will be able to determine is whether water is moving in the header tank... not how much water is moving. Remember that you will not see much coolant flow or motion until the thermostat opens.

[Sheikh Pip]

Pleasen don't open the rad cap while the engines hot enough to have the thermostat open, you will get scalded!!!

[dklawson]

You are correct, don't open the cap when the engine is hot. I should have been more clear.

You take the radiator cap off the cold engine and allow it to come up to temperature. Doing it in this order you will not get burned.

[Gulfclubby]

You can also take out the thermostat and then you'll see it right off a cold engine. While you're at it, you can boil the thermostat in a pan and check whether it opens.