Water Pump

[Paul Hussey]

After some advise chaps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Car is very noisy around the water pump/alternator area
am guessing the pump needs replacing but am not sure which one to buy!! any ideas
Regards

[wedg1e]

Usually, by the time the water pump makes that much noise, the bearings are shot due to water leakage (which will be evident). However alternator bearings often fail due to the V-belt being too tight. Try taking the belt off and spin the alternator by hand. If it's rough or noisy, there's your problem.

Ian

[KJR]

Paul,

I just happen to have a copy of the bible out at the moment as I am re-fitting the radiator to my wedge.

According the the bible "There have been several versions of the water pump on the V8 engine and it is very important to get a replacement that matches."

"It is worth taking the old pump with you to get the replacement."

Hope that helps.

KJR

[MartinP]

I killed the water pump in mine by overheating whilst queueing to get into Le Mans a couple of few years back - it sounded like somebody had emptied a bag of nails into it...

I guess your water pump and alternator run off the same belt?

[SEVANS]

If you are not sure what is the problem try spraying some WD40 on the alternator bearing if it goes quiet for a while then you know it's the problem. Saves you taking the belt off. Won't cure the problem but at least you know. Never done it with a water pump but I guess it may work if you can get some WD40 into the bearing.

[arcturus]

On my 86 350i I replaced the water pump with Unipart GWP2149. It was an exact replacement.

[Paul Hussey]

Thanks guys have got some WD40 in the garage will
see what happens.cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[njhucker]

I have just had new bearings put in the alternator as they became noisy.I thought it was the water pump until I took the belt off.

[degz]

Before you change bearings or parts, put som WD40 or similar on to the alternator pulley. When the belt gets dirty it can make noises as it gets pulled into the vee, if it stops after a good squirt, then its the belt/pully neds cleaning, try the easy ones first.