S3 N/A Hole in water pump?

[CAM79]

Hmm...

Ok, to cut the story short, car started to overheat, managed to stop and get more water, got home, jacked up the car, water was seriously leaking from a hole in the water pump:



The image was taken underneath the car and I slightly twisted the cam belt in order to get the shot i.e the hole is at the bottom of the water pump. It's perfectly round, so I assume it's supposed to be there, but what is it? - and more importantly why is water pouring out of it? I assume another water pump is in order!

Thanks in advance.

>>> Edited by CAM79 on Sunday 23 May 20:43

[rlearp]

Looks to be a weep hole, standard on Ford water pumps and others I've had the displeasure to replace. The weep hole will weep coolant before the water pump goes bad, it is an early warning indicator if you like. The bad news is your pump is on the way out.

[lotusguy]

CAM79 said:

Hmm... Ok, to cut the story short, car started to overheat, managed to stop and get more water, got home, jacked up the car, water was seriously leaking from a hole in the water pump: The image was taken underneath the car and I slightly twisted the cam belt in order to get the shot i.e the hole is at the bottom of the water pump. It's perfectly round, so I assume it's supposed to be there, but what is it? - and more importantly why is water pouring out of it? I assume another water pump is in order! Thanks in advance. >>> Edited by CAM79 on Sunday 23 May 20:43

Hi,

As mentioned, your waterpump is 99.999999999% used up. The rate of flow you describe means it needs immediate attention. It could totally fail the next time you take it out, so don't! or you'll add a tow charge to the rebuild charge, and possibly even more (I know a guy who lost his valve seats - not all, just 6 of them - because the head overheated so much when his waterpump blew and he tried to limp it home). Rebuild, don't replace. The kits are available from any of the usual sources. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[CAM79]

Thanks for the advice, the car won't be taken out of the garage until it's sorted. Hopefully won't be a knightmare of a job miracles have known to happen. Whether it'll be ready for Castle Combe on Saturday is another matter...

Thanks again.

[hilly]

I rebuilt my S3 a couple of years ago and when I took the water pump off, there was evidence that water was leaking from this hole, so I chose to get the pump rebuilt. Everybody I tried either didn't do it or wanted over £140 for an exchange unit.

But then I found these guys

www.water-pumps.co.uk/

They did a fantastic job, quick turn around and best of all, only charged £30 plus VAT....... Still on the car now with no problems.

Give them a call

Andy

[CAM79]

Cheers Andy!

I started the job this morning, and have just been ringing around to get a cost, the cheapest so far was £75 for an exchange unit, but £30+VAT sounds more appealing!