Hi all,
2002 4.4 FFRR, 85,000miles, got it a month ago. Done a fair bit of work - full service + all oils, transmission filter, hoses and cooler. New radiator and coolant hoses.. Drive belts, Oil Sep hoses (3 off) Upgraded to MkIV Sat Nav, sorted other bits and pieces etc etc.

I thought I'd done a reasonable job of anticipating any upcoming issues but yesterday, as I accelerated onto the dual carriageway, the steering went stiff, the battery light came on and the temp gauge shot up so I assumed a belt had broken and headed for the verge where I turned it off ASAP. It turned out that the water pump bearings had failed causing it to throw the belt off

Big Yellow Taxi ride later and I spent this morning stripping the front of the engine to get to the water pump. Its a fairly straightforward job, just time consumng however:

1. There are two alloy pipes from the back of the pump which go under the inlet manifold - they are sealed onto the pump with "o" rings and I guess the same at the back. One stayed put, the other came with the pump. I don't like the regular use of "o" rings and compression fittings - doesn't seem as secure as good old jubilee clips!

Unfortunately, the water pump also has a plastic impellor and this had broken up sending 7 little fins into the circulating system - great. I spent ages flushing the engine with water and air to try and get the bits out - did the same with the new radiator and the hoses - I got two of them.

All back together not and I've taken it for a run- Got up to temp, seems to be okay, no leaks but I can't help worrying that at some point, one of the old fins is going to wipe out the new ones and then I'll have the nightmare of a dozen of the fins swirling about !!

So, why of why of why, Are the water pump fins plastic ?


Signed

Grumpy (For today)

I have recently replaced my water pump. I bought an after market one with an aluminium impeller which IMO is better.
Stewart.

What make is your aftermarket pump and how much was it, if you don't mind me asking?

I'm tempted to haul mine back off in a couple of weeks and flush the radiator again to see if the fins have made their way to the front or if my new impellor is damaged... If I do, I'd want another pump realy "just in case".

H'mmmm.... if they are small enough to get through the rad then they are unlikely to have a bird strike effect on the new pump. I suspect they will just be stuck in the gallaries somewhere or at the bottom of the tank.

Think of the flow.. they are always going to be being pushed away from the pump.

Wonder how they flew off... how big time did the bearings go?

The two fins that I got back came from behind the pump, in the block which should be where the water comes from to get to the pump. They are half a thumb nail in size but quite hard so if the others have gone in that direction and get picked up by the coolant, they will head to the pump.

From the pump, they go through the thermostat and then on to the radiator where I'd hope they sit, at the bottom of the O/S because they won't go through the fins.

The bearing failure was significant enough to tilt the pully and throw the belt off. There is a fair bit of play in it so I'm assuming that it pulled the plastic impellor into the casting which cratered it.





The two fins recovered from the block..

The make of the aftermarket pump is First Line, part No.FWP 2181 £72.00 inc vat. Seems to be good quality, time will tell.
Stewart.

Stewart, any feedback on your make of pump?

My bearing has just gone (4.4 V8 petrol) and need to replace pump.

Europarts have either Circoli (£70) or KWP (£116). LR want £270 (couldn't tell me brand)!!

anyone got any brand preferences?

cheers

if that's eurocarparts that have quoted you then there's a 30% off code here http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic8057.html .


scarey say's , '' would members please stop using the "quote" button as a "reply" button ''

Stewart, any feedback on your make of pump?

My bearing has just gone (4.4 V8 petrol) and need to replace pump.

Europarts have either Circoli (£70) or KWP (£116). LR want £270 (couldn't tell me brand)!!

anyone got any brand preferences?

cheers

Quote:

LR want £270 (couldn't tell me brand)!!

Pump has done 20000 miles and running fine, would recommend it.

Stewart.