Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 17:09:51 -0300
Reply-To: Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Malcolm Stebbins <Malcolm.Stebbins@MSVU.CA>
Subject: Re: water pump advice / Murphy's law
In-Reply-To: <16f.103616f0.2a5b8cc6@aol.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
My water pump went too (In Turkey, that's been documented). I first started hearing
"new" noises back there and after 2 or 3 days, I saw a steady drip. I took off the belt
and started the engine - No noise (the engine can run for a minute or so w/o the belt
OK) I then grabbed the water pump pulley and it wabelled!!!! IIWY, I'd try wiggling
the water pump pulley (W/O the belt on), the more play, the less distance you can
drive. Or wiggle it with the engine 'on' and HOT and see if the pressure squirts
coolant out the spindle. The less wiggle, the farther you can drive. BUT IT WILL GO
FAST as the belt is pulling the spindle in a way to gouge out the spindle sleeve.
I drove carefully to the very next town and got a new pump (long story). I watched
the mechanic put the new pump on, I could do it next time (I'm a uni prof), just un-bolt
and bolt it back up (then of course bleed the system). I do hope that your new pump
has the 2 new rubber "O" rings, if not, let's hope that your old "O" rings are OK. Also
a tube of Form-A-Gasket helps too, to goo the "O" rings in place. Also, let's hope
that you don't have AC, I think that increases the # of things that must be taken off
and put back. Good luck, Malcolm
On 8 Jul 2002 at 20:48, Mark Watts wrote:
> Well,
>
> Long story short. On our way from Indiana to Colorado/Idaho. Had the
> Westy checked by a very reputable mech before I left. Took several 4
> hour trips in 95° heat - no problems. On our second gas stop I
> noticed a few drops of coolant. Stopped at the Des Moines VW dealer.
> Bad news, $487 bucks for a new water pump. Can't do it til Friday.
> Hah! Called several FLAPS and got one at Car Quest for $85 bucks
> including a $20 tip to the clerk who waited in the parking lot with
> the part after they closed.
>
> Question one: Any advice as to how long I can go before I need to
> change the pump? It is only leaking about a drop a minute or so while
> running and only when hot enough to pressurize the system.
>
> Question two; Any good mechanics/shops recommended between here and SD
> WY or CO
>
> Question three: I have my tools with me, the Bentley and the excellent
> piece by Ben. Any other bit and pieces that I'll need?
>
> Pmail or list as you deem appropriate. Parked now in the a/c hotel on
> Merle Hay Road in Des Moines.
>
>
> Save me list!
>
> Mark Watts Kelley Watts
> Earth Science Teacher
> Spanish Teacher
>
> 87 Westy
> 93 Cabrio
> 99 Passat
|