Date: Wed, 10 Jul 2002 14:18:07 -0700
Reply-To: Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jack <john.cook58@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: water pump advice / Murphy's law
In-Reply-To: <3D2C6A5F.17274.142D01@localhost>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
re: "...I could do it next time (I'm a uni prof), just un-bolt
and bolt it back up ..."
I'm a tiny bit skeptical that it's really as easy as you make it
sound. Some years ago, I tried to replace the water pump on my '85
Vanagon and could not find a way to access and remove one of the
bolts with the tools I had available (standard end, box & socket
wrenches). So, either there's a trick that I wasn't smart enough to
find or you need more than the ordinary tools (flex drives?). Now
you have me wondering which it was!
//Jack
On 10 Jul 2002, at 17:09, Malcolm Stebbins wrote:
> 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
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