Quick question before refilling cooling system after water pump replacement. | FerrariChat

Quick question before refilling cooling system after water pump replacement.

Discussion in '308/328' started by TwinOne, Oct 13, 2007.

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  1. TwinOne

    TwinOne Formula Junior
    Owner

    Aug 17, 2005
    415
    Mizar V
    Full Name:
    Robert
    I just finished replacing my water pump and doing a timing belt service. I purchased a new water pump so only removed the old from the thermostat housing. I left the housing in place and did not remove the hoses at the rear. When I loosened the pump, the entire housing immediately dropped away from the engine block. Looking at the parts diagram, there appears to be an o-ring to the opening into the block. Nothing dropped out and I assumed it stayed with the housing. My question is, is it imperative that this o-ring is replaced and can I expect a leak at this point. I want to make sure now before I refill and purge air so I'm not draining the coolant again. Searching the archives I found no mention of this o-ring.

    Thanks!
    Robert.
     
  2. 308GTS

    308GTS Formula 3

    Dec 27, 2001
    2,223
    TN
    I have done it both ways. It didn't leak either way. My pump started leaking and I needed to replace it soon and the seal was in fairly good condition so I reused it and it was fine. I have also replaced the seal on another WP replacement and it was fine so I think you will be ok either way. If you already have it bolted up I wouldn't worry about it. Just pressure test the system after you are done.
     
  3. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Feb 24, 2006
    15,856
    Cerritos, CA.
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    Mike
    Make sure to bleed, bleed, beedy and if necessary bleed some more.
     
  4. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2005
    2,800
    Full Name:
    F683
    #4 eulk328, Oct 15, 2007
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    A Mity-Vac pressure tester works great for this. You can pressurize your system cold then bleed and check for leaks without getting any burns. Check for bulging hoses etc. You can also measure temperature of the coolant in the overflow tank.

    Of course you should never pump the pressure up any higher than what your cap is rated for. Also it's not a complete simulation of normal operating conditions because sometimes collant leaks or air being drawn into the system can be caused by expansion and contraction of hoses, seals, clamps etc. as the engine goes through heat cycles and also vibration. However it really is very useful.

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  5. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Feb 24, 2006
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    How do you get air bubbles inside a small cavities if the watter is not circulating?
     
  6. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner Professional Ferrari Technician

    Dec 29, 2006
    18,221
    Twin Cities
    Full Name:
    Tim Keseluk
    The surest way to get it full without fooling around is to pull a vacuum on the system and then fill.

    You end up with very little air this way.
     
  7. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Feb 24, 2006
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    Thanks:)
     
  8. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2005
    2,800
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    F683
    Many people seem to have problems with trapped air when they change coolant. I imagine you could have trapped air in the heater core, for example. I don't think water circulation has much to do with it otherwise there should not be any air bleed issues after changing coolant.

     
  9. eulk328

    eulk328 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2005
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    F683
    Could be an issue if you have a hose/clamp combo. not making a good seal. You might actually suck air in with too high a vacuum.

     

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