Car problem - Update: Bad Water Pump?

[the izzy]

Talked to a guy at Autozone today. He mentioned it could be 1 of 2 problems.

#1: The first being that the fan has completely quit working on me (which it hasn't, so he said it must be #2).

#2: I have a bad water pump that is either failing or has already failed. $30 for a new water pump.

I'm probably going to go around and ask for some other opinions, just to be sure, but what do you guys think? Bad water pump make sense?

[thedude]

Talked to a guy at Autozone today. He mentioned it could be 1 of 2 problems.

#1: The first being that the fan has completely quit working on me (which it hasn't, so he said it must be #2).

#2: I have a bad water pump that is either failing or has already failed. $30 for a new water pump.

I'm probably going to go around and ask for some other opinions, just to be sure, but what do you guys think? Bad water pump make sense?

Could be a bad water pump. Just FYI though the part is cheap, it can be extremely labor intensive to replace depending on your car. It can cost you $300 or more to replace depending on where it is located in your car.

[Dan Lambskin]

Talked to a guy at Autozone today. He mentioned it could be 1 of 2 problems.

#1: The first being that the fan has completely quit working on me (which it hasn't, so he said it must be #2).

#2: I have a bad water pump that is either failing or has already failed. $30 for a new water pump.

I'm probably going to go around and ask for some other opinions, just to be sure, but what do you guys think? Bad water pump make sense?

Could be a bad water pump. Just FYI though the part is cheap, it can be extremely labor intensive to replace depending on your car. It can cost you $300 or more to replace depending on where it is located in your car.

QFT...i dont think it's a DIY type job unless you are pretty good with cars

[Metroid]

Talked to a guy at Autozone today. He mentioned it could be 1 of 2 problems.

#1: The first being that the fan has completely quit working on me (which it hasn't, so he said it must be #2).

#2: I have a bad water pump that is either failing or has already failed. $30 for a new water pump.

I'm probably going to go around and ask for some other opinions, just to be sure, but what do you guys think? Bad water pump make sense?

Could be a bad water pump. Just FYI though the part is cheap, it can be extremely labor intensive to replace depending on your car. It can cost you $300 or more to replace depending on where it is located in your car.

QFT...i dont think it's a DIY type job unless you are pretty good with cars

Yeah I wouldn't mess with it, replacing my starter is about as in depth as I'll go fixing my car.

[CadensDad]

I too agree with the other posters about changing the water pump yourself. You'd honestly be best off finding a solid mechanic to do it for you. The job can run anywhere from $75 to $300 depending on the mechanic's charges and where the pump is on the car. Some cars it's rather easy and then some you have the nearly take apart the engine to get to it. But water pump makes perfect sense to me as well.

[the izzy]

As it turns out (after digging around under the hood), the water pump is located right under the engine coolant reservoir. Not too difficult to get to. I plan to call around tomorrow and see what kind of price I can get. Right now I'm leaning on around >$150 = I take it to the shop, >$200 I do it myself.

Thanks for the advice

[TheRock]

Talked to a guy at Autozone today. He mentioned it could be 1 of 2 problems.

#1: The first being that the fan has completely quit working on me (which it hasn't, so he said it must be #2).

#2: I have a bad water pump that is either failing or has already failed. $30 for a new water pump.

I'm probably going to go around and ask for some other opinions, just to be sure, but what do you guys think? Bad water pump make sense?

I think water pump is a possibility, but I'm not sure Id' jump straight to that. Especially as it's one of your more expensive options. Most likely part to fail in the cooling system is your thermostat, also the easiest/cheapest to replace. You could even take it out and see if you still have an overheating problem. Engine will take longer to heat up to optimum temperature, but would rule that out for free. If the coolant is low I think that's a big clue. Since we're coming into warm weather, you could just add some distilled water and see 1) does it get better and 2) does the level fall back off after a few days. Could be you've got a leak. 2002 car that could be a leaky hose, gasket, radiator, radiator cap, or water pump. Don't pour that leak-clogging stuff in, you might make the symptoms go away for while, but will ultimately gum up your radiator. If there's still a problem after ruling out the thermostat, I would go buy the $10 flush and fill kit at Autozone and give the system a good flushing. Could be you've got some scale buildup impeding the water flow. You could also have that done at most service centers for $60 or so. You'll end up essentially doing a flush and fill anyway if you replace the water pump, might as well try that first.

[CadensDad]

Talked to a guy at Autozone today. He mentioned it could be 1 of 2 problems.

#1: The first being that the fan has completely quit working on me (which it hasn't, so he said it must be #2).

#2: I have a bad water pump that is either failing or has already failed. $30 for a new water pump.

I'm probably going to go around and ask for some other opinions, just to be sure, but what do you guys think? Bad water pump make sense?

I think water pump is a possibility, but I'm not sure Id' jump straight to that. Especially as it's one of your more expensive options. Most likely part to fail in the cooling system is your thermostat, also the easiest/cheapest to replace. You could even take it out and see if you still have an overheating problem. Engine will take longer to heat up to optimum temperature, but would rule that out for free. If the coolant is low I think that's a big clue. Since we're coming into warm weather, you could just add some distilled water and see 1) does it get better and 2) does the level fall back off after a few days. Could be you've got a leak. 2002 car that could be a leaky hose, gasket, radiator, radiator cap, or water pump. Don't pour that leak-clogging stuff in, you might make the symptoms go away for while, but will ultimately gum up your radiator. If there's still a problem after ruling out the thermostat, I would go buy the $10 flush and fill kit at Autozone and give the system a good flushing. Could be you've got some scale buildup impeding the water flow. You could also have that done at most service centers for $60 or so. You'll end up essentially doing a flush and fill anyway if you replace the water pump, might as well try that first.

Well I agree about the stop leak stuff, that hurts the engine in the long run. If it is the pump you might as well spend the extra $20 to buy two new hoses and new thermostat because when one fails the others always seem to be not far behind.

[the izzy]

Most likely part to fail in the cooling system is your thermostat, also the easiest/cheapest to replace. You could even take it out and see if you still have an overheating problem. Engine will take longer to heat up to optimum temperature, but would rule that out for free.

I'm going to have to look into this. I have no idea where to find the thermo, but I'm sure google can help. I have been reading into thermostats recently though. Should I just throw down a couple bucks and put a new one in and see if that works, or just yank it like you said?

If the coolant is low I think that's a big clue. Since we're coming into warm weather, you could just add some distilled water and see

picked up some distilled water today. I'll give this a try.

I called around to determine $ should I change the water pump. From what I'm hearing, it's going to be around $220-270. Not great, but not too bad either.

[TheRock]

I'm going to have to look into this. I have no idea where to find the thermo, but I'm sure google can help. I have been reading into thermostats recently though. Should I just throw down a couple bucks and put a new one in and see if that works, or just yank it like you said?

Should be easy to find. Look for the big hose leading out of your engine block. There will be a bracket that bolts into the block itself, the thermostat just sits in there loose. It's a simple heat-activated spring. If Autozone is near, go ahead and replace it, it will need to be before long anyway. If that's not convenient for a day or two, try taking it out. But yeah, I'm sure you can find a parts explosion online somewhere.

picked up some distilled water today. I'll give this a try.

I called around to determine $ should I change the water pump. From what I'm hearing, it's going to be around $220-270. Not great, but not too bad either.

It's a bigger job than changing your oil, but not too terrible if you're fairly comfortable working with cars. Probably 2-3 hours. Buy a 6 pack and invite a buddy over. Make sure you've got all the tools and parts you'll need. That's where it's good if your buddy brings his car.