| Water Pump bearing going bad [message #264452] |
Fri, 17 October 2014 22:58  |
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MangoMushroom
Messages: 67
Registered: August 2008
Location: Emeryville, CA
Karma: 0
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I'm about 80 miles from Applied GMC in Newark, CA, where I'd like to get the problem fixed... Water Pump has symptoms of bearings going bad... and weep hole is crying fairly excessively.
Symptoms began about a week ago... I have driven maybe 100 miles with current symptoms :-S
My question is: can I drive the 80 miles to Applied GMC, watching operating temp closely the entire way? If water pump bearing fails or seizes, will I have time to pull over without destroying the engine?
I don't have tow coverage
Any feedback or tips greatly appreciated. Feeling worried 
****MangoMushroom
`76 GMC Birchaven named "Harvey"
[Updated on: Fri, 17 October 2014 23:16] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Water Pump bearing going bad [message #264456 is a reply to message #264452] |
Fri, 17 October 2014 23:32  |
mrgmc3
Messages: 210
Registered: September 2013
Location: W Washington
Karma: 2
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Rob is right, without hearing or seeing it, it is difficult to discern if it is just a little noisy or on the brink of failure. If the bearing were to catastrophically fail chances are you will lose the belt, causing other problems.
You might call Applied on Saturday and see if they can help out. I am pretty sure they'll have a pump in stock and I'd bet a local mechanic can change the pump. Changing an Olds water pump is pretty straightforward. Just don't over torque the small bolts!
Chris Geils - Twin Cities / W Wa
1978 26' Kingsley w/ very few mods; PD9040, aux trans cooler, one repaint in stock colors, R134a, Al rad, Alcoas, 54k mi
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| Re: Water Pump bearing going bad [message #264460 is a reply to message #264452] |
Sat, 18 October 2014 00:50 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Grab the fan and tug on it. Try to wiggle it up and down and also side to side. If there is no movement then your problem is only a water pump seal. If it wiggles then you will be able to see how much movement you really have in the the bearing. From there you can decide whether to drive it or not.
If there is no movement, loosen up the radiator cap to prevent the cooling system from building up pressure. This will slow down the leak rate at the water pump. You could now drive it to Jim's (it is your decision NOT MINE.) I would stop and check he radiator every 15 minutes or so to see how much you have lost. Also keep an eye on the temperature gage while you are driving. Any movement towards hot is a reason to immediately stop and check the radiator level again. This statement assumes that you know how to check a hot radiator.
If the pump were to seize up, you will know it immediately because the crank will be trying to turn the belts while the pump pulleys are resisting the movement. You will immediately smoke all 3 belts. Pull over and stop at that point and go for help or replace the pump.
Changing the pump is not that big of a job. I good set of sockets, and set of box end wrench, and screw driver, or water pump clamp pliers is about all you need. Your biggest problem will be draining and capturing the anti-freeze for reuse if there is any left worth saving.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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| Re: Water Pump bearing going bad [message #264482 is a reply to message #264452] |
Sat, 18 October 2014 19:17 |
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MangoMushroom
Messages: 67
Registered: August 2008
Location: Emeryville, CA
Karma: 0
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An update:
I made it back home to Oakland, about 45-50 miles total travel today. Engine Water light came on (first time I've ever seen that) and stayed on early in the trip, but I kept my eye on the temp gauge, and pulled over to check the coolant level several times. Temp was running a little hot but not terrible. I also paid close attention to what the engine was sounding like the whole time, and went real light on the gas the whole trip.
Applied GMC can't get me in until Thursday. Looking forward to getting this fixed then!
Thank you for your feedback everyone
****MangoMushroom
`76 GMC Birchaven named "Harvey"
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