The water pump broke out of nowhere (causing the belt to heat up, melted into the grooves of the idler pulley and eventually snap!). When I pulled off the water pump, this is what I found beneath it. This is a '96 with a rebuilt 3.8L with maybe 12k since the rebuild last summer. Water pump was new as well.

My question is, will I be alright if I put another new water pump on this? The grooves caused by the broken pump are huge, but I can't see how it would really effect anything. The last pump was an aftermarket, and this time I just ordered a good ol' AC Delco.

Any opinions or suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

There is no way to be sure. I have seen guys over heat a car to the point the motor seize twice in one night, I replaced a hose the next day and he drove the car for years afters. I have have had customer notice the temp gage was high and they shut it down ASAP only to find out a bad thermostat caused a cracked head.

Anytime you run an engine with out coolant pressurre you rise major damage. All you can do is seal everything back up and pressure test the coolant system. If it holds pressure then start it. If knock or idles real ruff you have problems.

I would imagine that groove is a nice stress riser and will be very prone to cracking.

 

Good point. I'm gonna have to keep a close eye on it after repairs.

Something else I just thought of...I didn't see any metal shavings anywhere...but if theres a groove there, the metal had to go somewhere. Just wondering about long term damage...

 

I would imagine that most of the metal is sitting in the radiator.

If that groves cracks you will loose the motor. Anti freeze in the oil pan will wipe out even a brand new motor very quicly. From crack to a non repairable motor could be as little as a half an hour dependong on the size of the crack.

 

So the thing to do would be replace that front cover wouldn't it?

 

Perhaps replacing the front cover would be a good idea. I'm not entirely sure but better safe then sorry right.

 

yes replace the front cover. the wear in that area could cause pump flow failure or reduced flow. ive seen it happen in the old style brass pumps on the boat. looks like that new water pump bearing failed and let the impeller go sideways till it froze up.

 

Got a new front cover and gasket on order. Got the old one broke free from engine but looks like I need to remove belt tensioner and alt., and possibly p/s pump to get the cover off all the way.