Technical Big Drip... Water pump? 😖

[CamperVanBeethoven]

Couple of years ago I documented here a cam belt/ water pump change on my 2007 Ducato 2.3.
16,000 miles and 2 years later - I noticed a big wet patch on the street...
Not the water pump? Already??

 

[jackwhoo]

Oh no....
If it is coolant leaking,
It could be the water pump but it could be something easier .
Let us know what you find

 

[CamperVanBeethoven]

Oh no....
If it is coolant leaking,
It could be the water pump but it could be something easier .
Let us know what you find

My only hope is that loose bolts might have allowed the sealing gasket to leak...
Feasible?
Anyone know if coolant will have contaminated the belt?
Or does it drip down to the casing without touching the belt?

 

[bugsymike]

My only hope is that loose bolts might have allowed the sealing gasket to leak...
Feasible?
Anyone know if coolant will have contaminated the belt?
Or does it drip down to the casing without touching the belt?

Engine coolant doesn't usually cause a problem for belts, only oils.
If you have loose bolts on water pump that could be an issue/cause.

 

[jackwhoo]

Hi all,
Do not spin dry pump by hand , the seals in pump MUST be lubed with antifreeze prior to rotation.
No one will know what is leaking until covers off/proper inspection.
J

 

[Reg 65]

I'm afraid it does look like it may be coming from the water pump. Every one of the many Ducato water pump failures I have heard of has been after the water pump has been changed
None of the failures have been the original pump
Its so much harder to fit it properly when the engine is in situ than it is in factory conditions where everything is clean and free of corrosion, and the engine is out.

The advice to change it with the timing belt does not come from Fiat. I can only guess it comes from working on other vehicles where the original pump is not as durable, and its easier to fit a new one.

 

[bugsymike]

Most part suppliers include a water pump where applicable in a cam belt kit, the reason being that after many years the cam belt will be fairly slack and not put excessive pressure on an old water pump, but after fitting a new cambelt, even where correctly tensioned according to manufacturers specification, the old sealed waterpump bearings often cannot stand the extra tension and so fail. It is also why most kits include the guide and tensioner bearings in the kits as well.
Another point is with modern"interference engines" where cam belt failure can destroy an engine few parts manufacturers would warranty their product when a worn water pump can fail and do the same damage.
I agree where available and at a fair price, genuine parts are the safest option, unfortunately these days many customers buy on price.