WATERPUMP OR THERMOSTAT? OR MAYBE SOMETHING ELSE?? :Z

Asked by StevieG04 Aug 29, 2014 at 07:00 AM

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Have a 1999 Ford Puma, Yesterday it overheated, so pulled over, open the bonnet and
there was very little water in the reservoir. It was pressurized. Opened it slowly, let it
cool down then topped it up with water. The battery light has started to come on
recently when you start the car, not sure if its related as the belt would be the same for
the waterpump as it would be for the alternator. When disconnecting thermostat the
cars fan kicks in which is a good sign im guessing. No water seems to be pumping
around the engine and Both radiator hoses are cold! No visible signs of leaks either.
However when i squeeze one of the hoses going to the waterpump i hear a grinding
noise, not sure if its the propeller running dry or if its a problem?? Any help would be
great..

4 Answers

62,675

I'm only guessing here BUT perhaps the alternator/ water pump belt is lose. Additionally, it's possible, from what you described, that the thermostat is stuck closed. I say this because you said both hoses were cold when the engine was running. They should be warm because the coolant runs from the engine through the radiator.

2 people found this helpful.
143,535

Agree with boholmark,thermostat stuck or pump may be bad all so,but check the belt first as he said.

2 people found this helpful.

Thanks for the reply guys. An update to the situation.... Used a scanner to monitor the temperature of the Coolant/Engine. The thermostat is opening at around 90c and the fan kicks in at around 100c. Both pipes either side of the radiator get hot at this point. Which is roughly the temperature there meant to work. Reason i think the water pump has gone is that there is no return flow back to the reservoir at all, Even once the thermostat has kicked in and allowed the water to pass through to the radiator. Haven't got round to checking the belt as of yet so maybe that could be a possibility? Belt loose would cause the pump to not run efficiently and would also cause the alternator to not charge the battery. Will have a look later but any more help in the meantime is appreciated.. Cheers

625

If you change the pump take the T-stat out and boil it in a pot of water on stove to be sure it opens completely.

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