Waterpump problem?

[haggisgood]

Got in my VX this morning and immediately smelled a burning odor. Got to work ok (3 miles).
Started VX this afternoon and got same odor right away.. shut off engine.. (could see smoke from the front of the belts)..
Started again and immediately lots of coolant began leaking..
Hard to see exactly where but it seems to be dropping right below the crankshaft area..
I could squeeze the hoses and more coolant will come out...
Shes still bleeding out as we speak..
Is this a faulty waterpump?
And if so.. is it easy to replace?
Thanks for any advice
Haggis

[Moncha]

Very well could be leaking from the weep hole which is a good sign of a bad pump. Male sure to check the hoses very well and all the surrounding areas. If the mileage/time is up there its prolly time to change it out anyway. Kind of an insurance policy.

[Riff Raff]

Yup, sounds like a bad water pump and it needs to be replaced. I guess you've got two(2) choices:

A: You can replace it if you're confident.
B: Have a certified mechanic/auto shop change it if you're not confident.

[psychos2]

It is driven by the timing belt. So you should replace the timing belt also. shawn

[circmand]

It is driven by the timing belt. So you should replace the timing belt also. shawn

x2

Failure to do so mean big bucks

[tom4bren]

Bart's How2 on the timing belt replacement (& water pump) is posted in the How2 section.

[Moncha]

http://www.vehicross.info/modules.ph...category&cid=4

[nfpgasmask]

I had a pretty bad coolant leak for a while. After I changed my water pump the leak stopped. It not too hard to do, but it is quite involved, will cost you some money, and will take a little time.

http://www.nofuture.com/myvx/how-tos/tb/tbelt.htm

Bart

[haggisgood]

took it to a shop referred through a friend..
Pump (OEM) w/ new timing belt installed = $405 + tax
others around the neighbourhood wanting $700+
..
Also got a free tow from a good friends AAA membership.. so my hats off to him.. prob saved me another $70-100.
Brutal work for myself to do .. esp considering I dont have the proper tools..
Thanks again for your replies.
Haggis

[haggisgood]

disaster......got the vx out of the shop engine light came on within 20secs....took it back ...10 minutes later they showed me the oil cap creamy head gasket?.....i checked the cap b4 it went in...looked ok ...was the smell coming through the vents the gasket burning up or the pump failing ?.... engine ran for 5mins all coolant was still in vehicle .....

[Ldub]

Hmmmmmm...

That doesn't sound one bit good.

Did anyone notice white smoke from the exhaust?

I'm assuming that the top (intake manifold, etc.) stayed intact during the operation?

Take a breath, this could be a LOT worse...we're here to help in any way we can......

[haggisgood]

no white smoke at all.....perhaps they installed the pump incorrectly?...they said they let it idol for 30mins after the fix .. also replaced idler bearings, however when i started it up the idol was a bit rough
thanks

[Riff Raff]

no white smoke at all.....perhaps they installed the pump incorrectly?...they said they let it idol for 30mins after the fix .. also replaced idler bearings, however when i started it up the idol was a bit rough
thanks

Hmmm, sounds like a good auto repair shop to stay the hell away from. I can't believe your friends recommended such a place. Please let us know the name of the shop, so our fellow San Diego VX'ers steer clear.

[haggisgood]

Joe Jrs on Morena Blvd.
Now they said as of yesterdeay that there is NO water in the cylinders.. however the compression on cylinder 2 & 6 is low.
Cylinders would have lower compression if the timing belt was installed incorrectly .. correct?..
After all , when i got it back the first time the idol was off just a little.
Vehicle had no problems w/ power or idle prior to going into the shop.
Im awaiting the verdict today..
Haggis

[psychos2]

Sounds like they screwed up the cam timing. shawn