subject: What Do Water Pumps Do? [print this page] There are probably some parts in your vehicle that you just don't know what they are for. Sure, they are probably important to run the engine, but other than that, you don't know. Maybe you don't even care if it runs correctly. There are a few basic components you should know about in your engine because they could break down. If they break down, then you will need to know at least a little bit about the function, what could be wrong, and how to get it working correctly again.
Purpose of Water Pumps
A water pump is one of those parts that you should know about. Water pumps work in the engine and help to keep it cool as it runs. Therefore, you can assume that if the water pump were to break down or not function properly, the engine could very well overheat. There could be a few other problems that occur when water pumps break, but an overheated engine is the most common one.
The water pump runs by belts, and works with the radiator and engine of the car. The water pump might be functional, but the belt that drives the operation may crack, snap, or wear down and not work. Routine inspections could catch a problem with the belt before it happens. The belt can be replaced easily, but once the water pump malfunctions, it is a bit harder to replace and will be a bit more expensive.
The water pump works with the engine coolants to keep it cool and running at optimum levels. Heat is an enemy to the engine, because with too much, parts overheat and stop working. The oil, the pistons, and everything in the engine needs to be cooled to some extent in order to work right and keep the vehicle moving forward. If you have been parked in a driveway for several hours and notice coolant leaking, then you might want to have it checked out right away to prevent a problem.
What to do When They Fail
You probably won't know if it is the water pump, a head gasket, or something else wrong in the engine if you are sitting on the side of the road with steam pouring out of it. The only thing you care about at that point is getting someone to get to you quickly to haul your car to a service station so you can figure it out. No one has time to be stranded without a vehicle anymore, so you need the work done quickly. Is it possible?
If the problem truly is with the water pump, it can usually be fixed. Replacing the part will be tricky because it needs to be determined exactly what part failed. Is the seal around the pump the problem, and the fluid leaked out? Did a part fail on the inside of the pump? ASE Master Technicians will be able to get inside the engine and see exactly where the problem lies. Once they have an idea of the problem, you can get an estimate on how much it will cost to fix it.
