Is it safe to drive the car when the water pump starts crapping out? I can see water dripping from beneath the timing cover - if I keep the rad & overflow filled, will it be alright for a couple of 20 min. drives, nice and easy? Got to get to work

Thanks in advance

 

You better pray it doesn't break. The pump is only $70. You should also change you timing belt and timing belt tensioner at the same time IMO. Parts and labor, $260 out the door at my shop.

 

Tensioner also? Hmm... I planned on only changing the belt and pump but I'll do that one also. I do all my own work on the car so NVM on going to a shop

So it should be alright for a couple of short jaunts though, right...?

:edit: Fuggit, I'll just skip work... it's not worth risking a set of bent valves... can anyone tell me which tensioner I need to get?? I'm ordering parts now


[Modified by raene, 11:40 AM 10/28/2002]

 

When installing the water pump, I'm going to use RTV sealant - is it OK to fill w/ coolant right after installation, or should I wait a day for the sealant to cure?

 

Not sure there. Everytime I've used sealant, I just want a few till I have to go somewhere. Stuff works pretty good and fast.

When the tensioner is working properly, if you spin it, it should keep on spinning. Mine wouldn't move. I'd propbly be ok for a while, but if you're already down there why not then?


[Modified by buster13, 3:35 AM 11/4/2002]