Water Pump Installation – Did you Know?

Heavy Duty Trucks Parts

water pump installation in your truck
Water Pumps are one of many engine parts that will need to be replaced several times over the course of a vehicle’s life. Most water pumps will last an average of 60,000 to 90,000 miles, some lasting as long as 100,000 miles or more. This is dependent on engine maintenance and how hard the engine is pushed. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is a small compact automobile or a heavy-duty semi-truck.

Let’s say it is now time for you to replace your water pump and you want to do it yourself. How much do you know about installing a new water pump?

Here are some basics that most people would know:

  1. Let the engine cool down before you get started.
  2. Drain all coolant from the engine.
  3. Remove the old water pump and clean the gasket surface of the old material or sealant.
  4. Install a new water pump and refill the engine with fluid.

Here are some steps that you might not know:

  1. You should FLUSH THE ENGINE thoroughly – draining the coolant is not sufficient enough. Flushing the engine will remove any sediment or rust build-up inside the engine and will help prolong the life of the new water pump.
  2. BE AWARE OF ALL TUBES & ATTACHMENTS – the process is not just as simple as removing the old water pump and installing a new one. Many times, there will be several items that may need to be removed just to gain access to the water pump itself.
  3. DO NOT USE WATER BY ITSELF – Gone is the day when you could put just water into the radiator and be on your way. Coolant only or a proper mixture of coolant and distilled water should be used after the new water pump has been installed.
  4. YOU ARE NOT DONE – Ok, the new water pump is installed, all attachments in place and coolant has been replaced – this does not mean you are completed and ready for the road.
    Turn the engine on and let it idle until it reaches normal operating temperature. Do not be alarmed if you see a small amount of coolant coming from the weep hole – it does not necessarily mean the water pump is bad – this small leak should disappear once the seal has had a chance to settle.
  5. FINAL CHECK – Once the engine test run is completed, let the engine cool down and top off the coolant in the radiator and recovery bottle.

Do not attempt to remove the radiator cap while the engine is hot.

Now you should be ready to replace and install your new water pump.

 

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