Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Water Pump froze

[BT]

Driving down the highway and a fault code came up on my road relay followed by check gauges on the dash. I immediately pulled over and the water temp was up to 240. The belt was gone - I never heard it go - and had melted and pieces were stuck to the back of the fan, radiator hose, etc. The pump wheel wouldn't move. After towing it back, I got the pump to turn and there was a grinding feeling. There were pieces/shavings of metal resting on the "shelf" of the block directly under the water pump.



I haven't taken the pump out yet, but am concerned that metal pieces may have come off on the water side of the pump - is this possible if the bearing fails? If so, is the radiator at risk of plugging or worse the passageways in the block or head?



A portion of the belt was melted onto the belt tensioner pulley. Does anyone know if Cummins sells just the pully? Seems like a waste to buy the whole unity

 

[B.G. Smith]

Not likely that any metal got into the rasdiator especially if the water pump didn't dump the water, the seal is between the bearing and the impeller. You can buy the pulley seperate, at least aftermarket, i bought a Dayton for the 99 I had, worked great. bg

 

[rkressg]

Just get a new pump from Cummins. Was there still pressure in the radiator hoses after you shut it down? Thinking of a warped head, but I doubt it if you shut it down quickly.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Most auto parts stores carry them too if you're in a hurry. I have about 80,000 miles on the one I got at Auto Zone.

 

[Ncostello]

At least its EASY to change the pump on a 5. 9L Cummins!!!