The coolant pump (typically a belt-driven centrifugal pump) is the heart of the automotive cooling system. The pump circulates coolant through the system while the engine is running to maintain the engine’s optimal temperature.
The coolant also affects other areas of the vehicle, such as the oil passing through the heat exchanger and the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, making the coolant pump a critical system for normal automotive operation.
Let’s look at some of the common issues that can impact the coolant pump system.
Excessive Use of Sealing Paste
If the coolant pump does not include a gasket, paste is used to seal the pump to the engine block. Applying the right amount of paste is crucial to avoid damaging the internal seal of the pump. If too much paste is used, it can create pollution in the system and damage the mechanical seal. This often leads to coolant pump leakage, which could impact engine operation and potentially cause further damage and engine breakdown.
Do not use any paste on coolant pumps that include a gasket or an O-ring static seal.
If too much paste is used, it can create pollution in the system and damage the mechanical seal.
Polluted or Incorrect Coolant
The dynamic seal separates the “wet” and “dry” areas of the coolant pump. It is important to understand that in order to function correctly, the seal needs the correct and clean coolant. Dirt or other small particles can harm it and drastically reduce the life span of the coolant pump.
While seals on a newly fitted coolant pump may leak slightly at the drain hole, anything beyond this is problematic and likely caused by wrong or polluted cooling fluid. A leaking cylinder head gasket or internal leakage from a water-cooled EGR are common culprits of coolant pollution, which can damage other parts and lead to internal engine defects.
Never mix coolants! The mixing of different types of coolant can lead to major technical issues, as well as create a dangerous chemical mix that may be hazardous.
Never mix coolants! The mixing of different types of coolant can lead to major technical issues, as well as create a dangerous chemical mix that may be hazardous.