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Date:         Mon, 24 May 1999 11:28:02 -0400
Reply-To:     "Stanley, Kerry" <kstanley@CAS.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Stanley, Kerry" <kstanley@CAS.ORG>
Subject:      Re: SOS: Waterpump Questions: Help!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi all,


I had my water pump go last fall.  I had no warning, except for age that is
was about to go.  I did drive home from Boston to Philly.  It was noisy and
starting to leak. On removal there was a little scoring as Dennis describes,
but not too bad, so I just replaced the pump.  I've had no cooling problems
with the replacement pump, although I have not driven in 90-100 degree
weather since then.


Now replacement that is another story.  It is a real bugger to get out.  The
hex socket bolts holding on the pipe going to the right side head are very
difficult to get too.  One can be reached with an extender from under the
bumper, but the other one is real tuff to get to.  I did use a 3/4 - 1"
section of appropriate hex allen wrench with the same size box wrench on it.
I was able to remove the bolt.  I've heard of folks removing the pulley,
something I did not want to get into!!  I replaced it with a hex head bolt
thinking maybe I will be able to get a regular box or open end wrench in
there if I every have to do this again.  Even with the pipe bolts removed,
the pipe will not move sufficiently to get the pump off.  There is a 2" or
so hose attaching this pipe to the right side.  It has been mentioned on the
list that this hose could go, so I took that hose off for replacement.  Then
the pipe could be moved to the right enough to get the pump off.  Had to be
the most difficult pump R&R I've ever done.


I also replaced the large metal pipe going from the pump back to the
thermostat housing.  This pipe was ready to go.  It had some rust "mounds"
that when I poked them became pin-hole leaks real quick.  Also there is a
smaller diameter pipe off this one that rusts at the weld point, and it was
ready to burst through there as well.  I recommend replacing this pipe.  It
costs $70-80.


Good luck,


Kerry
'86 syncro
167K
kstanley@cas.org


-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes [mailto:dhaynes57@EMAIL.MSN.COM]
Sent: Sunday, May 23, 1999 9:27 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: SOS: Waterpump Questions: Help!




A noisy water pump should always be replaced.  When the bearings fail, the
impeller will damage the engine case. This area will either have to be
epoxied or welded to restore proper pump efficiency.  having groves in the
case causes loss of pump pressure. This can cause problems such as poor heat
at idle, insufficient flow at low speeds or the radiator fan responding fast
enough due to the poor radiator flow.


Dennis




-----Original Message-----
From: Mark B. Magee <condor2@FLASH.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Saturday, May 22, 1999 10:43 PM
Subject: SOS: Waterpump Questions: Help!




>Volks,
>The waterpump on my 91 Westy has the rather mild rattle beginning that
>has me concerned. We are loaded for a 1200 mile trip to take off in the
>morning. The water pump I have noticed to be noisy; when it's off you
>can barely get any play a out of the pulley, yet there is a tiny amount.
>No water is leaking. This Westy has 143K on it and records show a
>waterpump at 55K.
>Question, do I have 1500 miles on this waterpump! (Can I leave for
>vacation!!!). As we are leaving on Sunday, we can't even get a pump on
>our way out of Houston.
>How long from the first tremblings of trouble until real trouble, eg.
>excessive water leakage or bearing failure.
>I can wait until Monday and do a pump then....... But I lose 2 days
>camping with the family.....
>I once nursed a 3/4 Suburban w/a leaking waterpump from El Paso to Kemah
>(nearly 800 miles), pump leaked but I just kept topping off and replaced
>when I got home. Mines not leaking and no excessive bearing freeplay,
>presently.
>I appreciate any thoughts or experience in this matter. Thanks
>
>--
>><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>
>Shalom                                                    87 GL
>Mark Magee                                            91 Westy
>Kemah TX USA                                      96 Suzuki 4WD Sport
>John 14:6
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