Water Pump Shot?

[Deltona_Dave]

My Daughter's boyfriend has a 2002 Merc Sable (3.0 12 valve - vulcan). He claims that it overheats on drives more than a few miles. There is also a squeal on the belt drive that I have not been able to pinpoint in the last month. I have replaced the serpentine belt, thermostat and tensioner/idler pulley so far. It has 240K on the odometer. I have researched and found that the water pump vanes basically disintegrate after 200K miles or so.

Before I go tearing into removing the accessories, any thoughts or experience with this particular engine/cooling system?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Chris142]

Does the heater blow hot air?

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: Deltona_Dave
There is also a squeal on the belt drive that I have not been able to pinpoint in the last month.

This and the fact you found out they have reported problems at 200k more than suggest you probably have a bad pump.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Does the heater blow hot air?

Heater? In Florida at this time of year, even the A/C blows hot!

 

[LeakySeals]

When was the coolant last replaced and what type of coolant is it?

 

[Deltona_Dave]

I dumped and flushed with conventional green. I will pull the water pump on Sat and report my findings. When I dug into the car, it had conventional green coolant. I just started taking over maintenance 6 months ago for him. He bought it about 9 months ago.

Dave

 

[mattd]

check coolant flow through system. Very possible water pump is bad. I'd check condition of timing cover gaskets and make sure those are not leaking. VERY common leak point and alot of work.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

The Vulcans are really hard on their cooling system. If it's the original water pump, it's DEFINITELY time for a new one. They are super corrosive inside and likely the veins are gone.

On mine i also had an overheating problem caused by the thermostat sticking shut.

 

[LeakySeals]

Unless its weeping, I'm guessing the pumps ok, and the radiator/cooling system is full of silicate and scale. If the pump doesn't work pour some RMI-25 in the cooling system. Does a nice job cleaning up.

 

[TFB1]

I've seen a couple 3.0 with eaten away pump vanes, it's likely your problem... If the heater hoses barely get warm, it's defiantly your problem...