Re: [alfa] Time required for water pump replacement

["Dean W. Cains" <dwc@xxxxxx>]

Hi Shawn:

I've yet to see a 4-cylinder Alfa overheat because of a worn, or failing 
water pump.  That is of course unless the pump seals are leaking, and have 
allowed the coolant level to drop.  So, first see if you can find the 
source of the leak, and check to see if the fan belt isn't slipping.  Grab 
the alternator pulley, and make sure you can't turn it by hand, which would 
indicate a loose or worn belt.  Next, loosen the belt and apply some 
diagonal pressure to the water pump pulley.  If the leak isn't coming from 
the nose of the pump, and if the pulley isn't wobbly, the pump is most 
likely OK.

If the coolant level hasn't dropped, I'd next check for a failing 
thermostat, as it's easy to replace and cheap.  NAPA #THM138 is the proper 
double-poppet type, but doesn't come with the correct gasket.  The 
thermostats from most of the Alfa parts vendors will come with a gasket, 
but not all are the double-poppet type, so ask before purchasing.  Might as 
well get a new cap, too, for the same reasons.

If that fails, it's time to pull the radiator and take it to a shop for a 
good cleaning, and maybe even a recore.  If you do need a recore, make 
certain that the replacement core has the proper tube and fin density, and 
beware that many don't.  I'd guess a fair price to be ~$200, if you bring 
the radiator to the shop without the car attached.  A 2-row core of the 
proper type will suffice, and some opt for a 3-row for some reserve 
capacity, especially on a/c equipped cars or in hot climates.  The rest of 
the cooling system should be flushed until water runs clear, and there are 
a number of good commercial products available at any auto parts 
store.  Refill with distilled or deionized water and a quality anti-freeze, 
and if you don't live someplace that gets really cold, 25% anti-freeze will 
offer better heat transfer than the traditional 50/50 mix.  New hoses are 
cheap, and I wouldn't think of keeping the old ones if I've had the 
radiator out.  Refilling the coolant requires bleeding air from the 
system.  Ask if you need to know how.  Don't forget a new belt, too.

Finally, and I actually should have mentioned this first, are you sure the 
car is overheating?  Your gauge may be reading improperly.  Check it with 
another thermometer, if possible.  Don't ever drive any Alfa that's 
actually overheating, as $$$ engine repairs will surely follow.

BTW, if you do need to replace the water pump, it's a pretty 
straightforward job, with one exception.  The two bottom studs through the 
pump will keep you from getting the pump past the crankshaft pulley once 
all the nuts are removed, and you don't want to pull the crank 
pulley.  Double-nut and remove the studs, r&r the pump, and use 25mm long 
bolts with two washers in place of those 2 studs and nuts.  Use a socket or 
box wrench to avoid rounding off the nuts, which always seem to be very 
soft, although usually not very tight.  Since this will be your first time, 
I'd plan on maybe 4 - 5 hours, and less than 1/2 that the next time.  If 
you take it to a shop, choose very wisely, and mention that trick about the 
2 bottom studs.

That's it.  Feel free to ask for any clarifications or amplifications you 
may need.

Regards,

Dean
Lutz, FL
'74 & '87 Spider Veloce's


At 01:27 AM 9/3/2004, you wrote:

> Date: Thu, 2 Sep 2004 14:08:51 -0500
> From: "Shawn Mayer" <shawn@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] Time required for water pump replacement
>
> Hi all -
>
>
>
> My 79 spider is overheating, and I'm guessing that the water pump is
> probably shot because there's a water leak -though I can't tell where. I'm
> trying to decide whether I have enough time to fix it myself of if I'll have
> to pay a shop to do it. I'm wondering if someone can give me a reasonable
> guess as to how many hours the job would take. I'm not totally new to work
> on the car, but I'd still call myself amateur at best. Any special troubles
> to be concerned with?
>
>
>
> Also - in case I'm being obtuse and missing something - are there other
> reasons it's likely to be overheating. I've checked that all the radiator
> hoses are connected.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> Shawn
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