In order to detect if your Water Pump is about to fail, you need to know WHERE it is, and some of its fundamentals.

With the hood open, the water pump is located at the front of the engine block, behind the bottom Radiator Fan Blade. Follow the Fan Belt down, until you notice a pulley protruding from out of the Engine block that the belt is running to, this is your water pump.

The PRIMARY Fundamental you need to know, is, that the job of the water pump is to circulate the water of the "Cooling System", which is used to keep the engine at a predetermined, safe operating temperature.

Firstly, the COOL water is pumped through various internal areas of the engine block, to absorb the engine blocks HEAT. This HOT water is then carried through the Radiator, where it gets COOLED, by the passing fresh air, then the whole cycle starts again.

INDICATORS OF A FAILING WATER PUMP

1. Is there water getting into your engine oil? (you will see it on the dipstick)
- This indicates a faulty water pump gasket, (or blown head gasket).

2. Is water weeping from behind the Pulley that spins the pump?
- The shaft seal has been compromised

3. Is there an odd noise coming from the front of the block?
- Your water pump may be running dry. (no coolant water). This is bad, you may be able to top up your water, and limp to your nearest work shop.

4. Is the Temperature high, even though your fluids are full, and are not leaking?
- This could indicate it is not pumping at all. Its possible the fan belt has broken. If so, you will see it straight away, its as simple as replacing it.

5. Is there a screeching sound, every time you hit the gas?
- This indicates the fan belt is slipping, and not spinning the water pump efficiently. Tighten it, and check the temperature, and see if it drops.

If you detect any of these problems, get your vehicle to a mechanic ASAP.

Learn more about this author, David Cadman.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Service warning: The water pump is failing?
We want to hear your view. Write now!