What Does a Water Pump Do?
The
water pump kit is part of the car's cooling system. To keep the engine from overheating, coolant is circulating between the engine and the radiator. The water pump is located between the engine and the radiator and ensures that cooled water reaches the combustion chambers in the engine. It has a prominent disc in the middle and two arms connecting the water pump with the engine and the radiator. An axle is rising from the disc, over which is either an accessory belt or the fan belt.
While some water pumps are driven by an accessory belt connected to the crankshaft, some overhead cam engines drive the water pump with the timing belt. In that case you won't be able to identify the water pump directly. You have to remove the plastic timing belt cover first to locate the
water pump.
How Does a Water Pump Work?
The water pump sits at the bottom radiator hose. It draws cooled liquid from the radiator into the engine, where it circulates through water jackets located around the combustion chambers in the cylinder. The heated liquid then returns to the radiator to cool down.
As soon as the engine runs, the fan belt turns, which spins the axle in the middle of the water pump.
In the inside, the turning axle is connected to several vanes. This movement creates suction and pulls liquid from the radiator. The moving axle and vanes are creating a centrifugal force which throws the liquid against the outer wall of the pump. In doing so, it presses down a drain, which sends the water into the engine block.
Why Do Water Pumps Fail?
If water pumps fail to work, you risk an overheating which can cause an irreparable damage to your engine. The water pump has a small weep hole, which is covered by a gasket. If the gasket erodes, coolant will leak out of the hole. As a result, the water pump will no longer function properly. It should be replaced immediately. Also make sure to maintain your
water pump seals and
water inlet gasket and of course, your
thermostat.
Common Water Pump Components
Copy the code in the box below and add a link for this page to your web site or blog.
Please feel free to call toll-free 800.874.8888 or e-mail sales@autoanything.com with any questions. We are delighted to be of assistance in finding the right auto parts for you, be they car parts, truck parts or SUV parts.
|