You just bought a new water pump for your Perkins, Ford, Continental or Deutz engine. This tech tip shows you how to achieve maximum life and performance from your new replacement water pump.
- Flush engine cooling system if it shows signs of corrosion and where
applicable, clean out the impeller cavity in the cylinder block.
- All joint surfaces on the engine which require a gasket must be thoroughly cleaned of any old gasket material.
- If a pulley needs to be pressed on to the pump, as is the case on a Perkins 4.108 or many Continental engines, use a hydraulic press, not your Uncle Bubba’s hammer, to press the pulley on the shaft. Take care and support the opposite end of the shaft while pressing the pulley on the shaft so you don’t damage the water pump assembly.
- Coat the new gasket sparingly with suitable jointing compound and together with new “O” rings (when applicable), place in position.
- Assemble water pump to engine and tighten bolts to the recommended torque value using a crisscross tightening pattern.
- Check pump by hand to ensure free rotation. Some seal friction will be felt and is normal.
- Check that all associated parts (i.e. fan, fan belt, hoses, thermostat, etc.) are in good working order. Replace any worn or suspect parts.
- Connect hoses and fit fan belt(s). Fan belt(s) must be adjusted carefully. Do not overtighten the belts.
- Refill system with recommended coolant solution and check for leaks.
- Start engine and run until normal operating temperature is reached. Check for leaks and smooth operations. Never stand in line with, or near the fan when engine is running. Do not run the water pump dry as this may damage the seal. Check coolant level and top up if necessary.
NOTE: Some small initial water leakage from the pump seal may be experienced. This is normal and will cease after a short period of running when the seal becomes fully operational.
If you have not yet purchased your replacement pump or have questions about finding the right pump, our team is ready to help. You can also check out the pumps we have on our website with just a few of the different pumps we have in stock listed below:
Deutz 2012 Cast Iron Water Pump Kit;
Ford VSG411 Water Pump (3″ Shaft); and
Perkins 200 Series Replacement Water Pump
Or, if you want to learn more about water pumps we have more tips for you:
Tech Tip #212: Identifying the Ford 460 Water Pump;
Ford LSG875i – Ford 460 Water Pump Identification Made Easy (video);
Tech tip #64: Water Pump Pulleys;
Tech Tip #87: Perkins, Ford, White-Hercules, Continental and Chrysler Water Pumps; or
Tech Tip #221: Ford 300 Water Pump Identification
