4 Water Pumps Have Failed In The Last Few Months!

[steve]

About a 3 months ago my water pump gave out after many years of faithful service. I took it to my (now ex) mechanic and they suggested changing the timing belt at the same time. Everything was fine but after just a 3 or 4 weeks the water pump (#2) failed so I took it back and they replaced it for free (and put the timing belt on a tooth off) After taking it back several times to get them to fix it (which they didn't, even after I told them I was almost sure the T-belt was on wrong) I gave up and took it to the Nissan dealer mechanic, who confirmed that they had actually put the belt on wrong (backwards and a tooth off) (But this is another stroy) Anyway again a few weeks went by and the water pump (#3) failed again.

 

I didn't want to take it back to the mechanic that screwed up the timing belt so this time I decided to do the job myself. What I found was that the water pump shaft had pulled forward, causing the impellor to literally grind into the housing of the pump. I didn't give much thought to why the impellor would have been pulled forward, but just replaced the pump. that was about a month ago, and now the water pump (#4) has failed again.

 

Ugh I can't believe it. But I have a theory now.... and I wanted to see if you guys can back it up. Is there supose to be a big flat washer installed between the pully and the water pump? It seems like I recall there being such a washer years ago when I replaced the fan clutch myself. If stupid mechanic #1 left that washer out when he reassembled it that could perhaps explain why the water pumps keep failing. If thw washer was left out the misaligned pully would tent to get pulled forward by the belt tension.

 

I am quite sure the V belt was not too tight. I'm not a rocket scientist, only a lowly electrical engineer, but I am concious about belt tension and though I did not use a belt tensioner I know it was not too tight. It had reasonable give. And it started squaking when the fan-cluthc failed a few weeks later.

 

I thought of one additional theory just now. I had the fan clutch fail (mentioned above), the week before fathers day. And as you may know they lock up when they fail causing the fan to turn full speed. And I drive fast on the freeway 75+ MPH 40 miles each way to work. It was a day or two of roaring engine (with the fan running full speed) before I realized what was going on. Could the force of that fan pulling forward have been enough to pull the water pump shaft forward and thus caused it to fail?

 

What do you guys think?

Edited June 28, 2007 by steve

[GhostPath]

Is this a Nissan or aftermarket water pump?

 

Also, a failing fan clutch often goes out of balance - and can destroy water pump bearings in short order.

 

Edit: Just checked the Nissan parts book. No washer, spacer, or gasket between the water pump's drive flange and the pulley.

Edited June 28, 2007 by GhostPath

[steve]

Is this a Nissan or aftermarket water pump?

 

Also, a failing fan clutch often goes out of balance - and can destroy water pump bearings in short order.

 

Edit: Just checked the Nissan parts book. No washer, spacer, or gasket between the water pump's drive flange and the pulley.

 

I believe they were all after market, not Nissan parts. Given the difficulty of replacing the part and my horrible luck perhaps I would be wise to go with a factory part this time. Its kind of a drag drag. I can go back to Checker auto with the one that just failed and get one for free, It cost $65. Or I can go to the dealer and get a factory part for $105 ouch..... Do I want to roll the dice? The fan cluches have been Checker Auto units as well.... Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot!

[Slick]

i have had no issues with kragen h2o pumps.... did they installt he gasket and some sealant? did the pumps just start leaking, or did they fail all together?

are you SURE 100% that the mechanic did not replace the pump with another old one and not a brand spankin new one (seen it happen).....

 

the fan clutch going out can definitely kill an h20 pump....

[GhostPath]

I believe they were all after market, not Nissan parts. Given the difficulty of replacing the part and my horrible luck perhaps I would be wise to go with a factory part this time. Its kind of a drag drag. I can go back to Checker auto with the one that just failed and get one for free, It cost $65. Or I can go to the dealer and get a factory part for $105 ouch..... Do I want to roll the dice? The fan cluches have been Checker Auto units as well.... Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot!

 

 

Well, for starters, I think I paid $85 for mine from the local dealer. And courtesyparts.com has it for $90:

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchant2/mer...ode=wd21_tbkita

 

My own personal thoughts on the matter were to just buy the whole kit and caboodle from Nissan and be done with it. It's not that expensive, unless your local dealer is of the type to screw you. And even if they are, Courtesy has all of the parts needed for under $300.

 

Not all aftermarket parts are created equal. I would at least get name brand aftermarket parts - not the house brands. GMB or Bosch for the water pump, for example, and Hayden or Imperial for the fan clutch.

[Slick]

wow.... i paid $56 for each of my h2o pumps.... and they work great......

[GhostPath]

wow.... i paid $56 for each of my h2o pumps.... and they work great......

 

 

If water pump replacement wasn't the huge PITA it is on the VG30, I probably would go with the aftermarket one right off the bat. But a bad water pump can ruin your entire day (and timing belt) on this engine; I figure why chance it.

 

Besides, compared to my other cars, the $85 for a factory pump is *cheap*.

[daver123]

I have also had to replace one too many water pumps, would it possibly be a wise decision to get rid of the mechanical fan to reduce the forces on the bearings and install and electric fan instead?

[GhostPath]

I would think so. Jaguars with the 4.2L I6 engine, at least, seem to have extended water pump life when converted to electrics.