Is this my water pump? (.wav file)

[Dave G]

I'm pretty sure the water pump is going out on my '91 L. It's been getting progressively worse for about 6 months or so. It's not just the belt, because when it's screaming I can feel an extra drag on the engine which goes away the instant the noise stops.

Before I tear into it I thought I'd post the sound and see if I can get any opinions from you guys. Thanks!

http://www.waverlystreet.com/temp/waterpump.wav

[Pu241]

Betting on you need ALT/Water pump belt tightened!
Does it do it at night with the headlights on?

[91blufestiva]

Do as he said! My car did that, I tightened the belt, went away, couple days later, motor was overheating, i check it out, belt broke, so i put new belt on, and now, it's still squealing... lol... just gotta make sure you tighten it just right, not to tight, and not to loose.

[Dave G]

I'll try tightening it, but I doubt that's it - don't forget the extra drag on the engine when screaming - a slipping belt wouldn't do that, would it?

[speedy]

He's right about the belt, I had the same thing happen to my car.

[Pu241]

Is it drag?
Or does it just sound like it?
I had same/similar problem tightened the belt problem went away.
But, have to be careful not to over tighten.
Nice to get a breaker bar 18/24" and can use it as a lever to push the Alt so that you can easily get various levels of tension in the belt.
But once again not too tight!
Good luck, hope I'm right and your wrong; only because if your doing the water pump you might as well do the timing belt and tensioner too!
Way easier if its the belt!

[batstiva]

I'm with everyone else on this one. Sounds like the belt is worn/slipping. My advice, new belt, correctly tensioned. And yes, I would think the drag would be explained by the belt issue. If the belt is not performing its proper function, when it's slipping, you are losing water circulation, and charge from the alt., so the car should feel different. Never actually heard a water pump make noise when going bad. Just kind of seem to either quit working, or start leaking. Best of Luck!

[Pu241]

^^^ Agreed my water pumps have failed in two ways without notice; 1) began leaking from the shaft seal or 2) Locked up and broke the belt.

[lessersivad]

Alt./WP belt. One of mine was doing the same thing. Just changed my '89's belt cuz there was no more travel left. Cost approx. $10 at NAPA. Your comment on the 10-15 seconds of squealing indicates to me that the load from the alternator is causing the belt to slip.

[eheine20]

i had the same sound, found that my alt was locked up

[WmWatt]

According to the Haynes manual belt tension is measued by the deflection. Lay a straight edge across the top of the two pulleys and press down on the belt at the midpoint. I'm at the public library so don't have access to my copy to include the displacement here. Maybe someone else has it handy. It's how I've adjusted my belt after removing it to change the belt, timing belt or alternator. No need to guess.

[Dave G]

Well cool - I hope you guys are right! I'll check it all out tomorrow.

[batstiva]

^^ Geez, I need a life.
Used drive belt deflection .35 to .39 in. or 9 - 10 mm
New drive belt deflection .31 to .35 in. or 8 - 9 mm

That's after applying what Hayne's calls moderate pressure (22 pounds) pushing to the side. belt should move no more than the amounts above. Just make sure it has some play. Too tight is worse than too loose.

[Dave G]

Betting on you need ALT/Water pump belt tightened!

Well shut my mouth... So far, so good. Thanks!

[Pu241]

Yes, for the win!ccasion5:

Dave, need beer!

Buy a new belt and keep it and the necessary tools with you!
If that belt got chewed-up or badly over heated it could break.
A lot depends on how old it is.