The water pump is too often and quite erroneously pointed out as the culprit in damage. In most cases, however, it is not the water pump itself, but other circumstances which eventually cause the water pump to fail.
The prerequisite to acquit the water pump is generally subject to the water pump being of OE quality. Another prerequisite is that the water pump is driven by a properly fitted timing belt system, in those cases where it is part of timing belt system. When the above conditions are met, it is actually the coolant - in relation to texture and purity - which is the vital part in relation to the longevity of the water pump. An incorrect ratio between coolant and water leads to calcification. Scale in the cooling system works as an abrasive, and it is certainly not something which is good for the water pump. The result could be a leaking sea, causing leakage and the ingress of water into the water pump bearing, which will damage it.
"But other forms of pollution such as dirt and dust also occur in the cooling system and it can get into the water pump seal which leads to a leaking water pump," Søren Nielsen, product coordinator at Triscan said and he continues, "Contaminated coolant leaves unmistakably marks on the damaged water pump, and thereby the cause of the accident can be easily identified."
Comparison: The left gasket with clear traces of contaminated cooling water
Leaking water pump with traces of contaminated coolant
In connection with the mounting of a water pump, many garages do not only use the supplied gaskets/ o- rings, but also add liquid sealant to the sealing surfaces in such large quantities that parts of the gasket material end up in the cooling system. This kind of contaminants also damages the water pump seal and lead to leaks, which ends up damaging the bearing.
Water pump with deposits of liquid gaskets in the cooling system
Leaking water pump with traces of scale in the cooling system
" As a basic principle, it is always a good idea to drain the engine cooling fluid, clean the cooling system with radiator cleaner, and avoid the use of liquid sealant when it is not required by the manufacturer and finally, do not recycle the coolant,” Søren Nielsen, Triscan says and continues, " this process ensures that the water pump has ideal working conditions and a long longevity which is a benefit for the car owner."