oK, just noticed a noise coming from the water pump area, like someone is taking a wrench to it every couple of seconds. But as i look at the temp gauge, there is no change, so at least that seems all right. My question is, the waterpump, has it seen it 's last days, and should i look for any other clues, before i dispose of this one? my car is an 83 gl wagon, non turbo, any advice would be aprreciated. thanx alot!!

i would remove it and replacemnt

the pulley on my 83 wagon fell off, because the shaft had worn down

problem developed rapidly and did not last long before broken

If it sounds like the water pump, then it probably is the water pump. Imminent bearing failure won't cause temp readings to go up - just noises. Pump is $35 new, $22 reman at NAPA.

Yep - temp won't change till you start leaking and lose enough coolant to change it. However - the bearing can fail totally and lock up - if that were to happen the belt would slip and cause an awful ruckess - probably would overheat at that point.

 

Get one from a JY - they take about 5 minutes to remove - 10mm socket, and a screwdriver and pliers for the hose clamps..... you can get new gaskets but I just use RTV - seems to work fine. Look for some at the JY that don't have any perceptible shaft play. You can get em for about $5 probably, and I would get a couple - that way you have a backup. Make sure upon installation to have the belt at the proper tension - too tight will cause bearing failure - too loose will cause belt slippage, and possible overheating.

 

Oh - and before you go changing water pumps - check out that belt. The way you worded it "every few seconds" sounds beltish. I've had belts that sqeak because of fraying in one spot...

 

GD