Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Broken blades on water pump

[djcturner]

I am hoping to get good news to make me feel better after my findings.



I own a 2002 Dodge ram 3500 quad cab, automatic trans. I had a little over heating the other day on my 24 valve 5. 9 cummins. When I got home after driving it about 2 miles. It never reached the red mark but it did get close. Once I stopped and parked it was leaking water badly. I looked at the water pump and the pulling wheel was all wobbled out. I knew this meant the bearings were gone. I just had the water pump replace by a garage 2 years ago too.



I pulled the water pump off to find 3 of the blades were totally gone. The other two bent over. I felt around the opening of the hole where the water pump mounts and found two blades laying in a small channel.



This is where it gets bad. I was able to get one. The other after trying to getting it out using my pinky finger, trying to move it up along the channel. It fell into a hole just to the right of the opening behind the fan housing. The 3rd blade hasn't been seen at all.



Please don't tell me I have to tear down the engine. Unless you have too. lol



Please tell me what is needed to fix this problem. I am not a mechanic, but I have worked on many under a few trees. This is my first diesel.



I'm hoping this is a simple flushing since I read that broken blades on water pumps can be a common problem. thank you

 

[The patriot]

Have you tried a magnet?

 

[djcturner]

Have you tried a magnet?

Actually I just got off the phone with a diesel mechanic and he told me to buy a flex magnet and work it all around. Take off the bottom radiator hose and check for the pieces in there. He said the pieces would have dropped straight down and not moved much because the water flow would not have been real strong with the missing impellers blades.



I was worried I was going to have to pull the front of the motor off.



I am much more wiser now with this experience.



Thanks for the reply friend.

 

[The patriot]

No problem, welcome aboard!

 

[Sticks]

Hard saying where the missing blade went, other than not far unless it taken out in smaller pieces instead of on chunk. If all else, try to do a reverse flush - which will mean figuring out what port on the engine bloc is farthest from the water pump and hook the garden hose up to it. I don't know you will get enough pressure though, might have to get creative with an additional self contained pump.



I wan to say that there is a port on the top of the head (exhaust side) towards the rear, and there might be on in the side of the block at the back. You can also pop out your block heater and check around in there.



Hopefully it did end up in your radiator - which you should probably pull anyhow and clean it.