One little invention probably changed both household and car riding experience forever. Yes, I am talking about a pump or, more specifically, a water pump.
The water pump is a tiny little but versatile gear that comes handy in a myriad of jobs, including pumping water in residence and allowing the car engine to run cold. However, like everything around us, a water pump won’t last forever.
It simply means, at some point, it will come to the end of its expected lifespan and will need replacement. Hence, you need to know how long does a water pump last to prepare early to replace it timely.
Also, we have included tips on maintaining the pump better for your further convenience.
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How Does Water Pump Work?
The durability or lifespan of a water pump is both directly and indirectly connected with the way it works in practical life. Hence, it is necessary to understand its working procedure.
Once you know how it works, you will know its lifespan better and ways to maintain it properly.
To put it simply, a water pump working depends on two factors. Firstly, it uses kinetic energy and, secondly, a positive displacement principle.
As water runs through the motor, the turbine belt moves to transform the static energy into kinetic energy. Then it creates the necessary power to run the pump. As the pump keeps running, water is accumulated in a specific area with the use of a hose or tube.
In a vehicle, the water pump is used to keep the car engine cool to prevent overheating. It is essential to stop the engine from untimely damage.
Inside the car mechanics, the drive belt or turbine belt runs the propeller. The running propeller carries the necessary coolant to keep the car vehicle clean.
How Long Does a Water Pump Last?
The long-lastingness of the water pump is dependent on the timing belt. For those who don’t know what is a timing belt, here is our answer.
A timing belt is similar to a turbine belt that successfully connects the crankshaft and camshaft. As the two components move, the valve continuously opens and closes to ensure the water or coolant runs through it to the desired area.
The endurance of the pump will last directly on the durability of the timing belt.
Usually, a timing belt will last for at least 1,00,000 kilometers to 1,50,000 kilometers. So, you can estimate it as a lifetime for the water pump.
Since most manufacturers focus on producing high-quality pumps, you rest assured of getting a pump with the full lifespan. However, at times, unfortunately, your pump may run into problems.
You can avoid such uncalled for problems with the proper pump tips for its maintenance.
Pump Tips for Maintenance and Servicing
When the water pump is running smoothly, you can overlook several problems. However, if you don’t like spending too much for the pump repairing, ensure you maintain it correctly and on time.
The water pump maintenances include:
- In the beginning, you will ardently need to know the maintenance frequency for the pump. For this look at the user manual provided by your manufacturer. You will see advice written on it for the servicing and maintenance frequency. Arrange the servicing schedule according to the suggested timing.
- However, sometimes you need to be on your toes for some uncalled for and untimely repairing and services of the pump as well. It will happen when a pump fails to pull the required amount of water or coolant. The most common signs of a water pump not running correctly are-
- Unusual sounds that otherwise are different from the regular water pump sound.
- Excessive vibration of the pump. When too much vibration occurs, it is an ardent sign that something is wrong inside the machine, and so, it is trying too much.
- Sometimes the attached tube may leak, which will result in less power in use.
- The timing belt or propeller may not work properly, which you may know with regular inspections.
- Before you start the servicing procedure, make sure the pump is turned off entirely. If it is a pump inside the car engine, make sure the car engine is cool and closed. All these checks are essential so that you won’t have to face any unwanted injuries. Also, it is a part of dedicated safety checks, both for you and the machine.
- After you have surely turned off the pump, start with the mechanical inspections. It will include the following observations:
- Inspect the pump mounting point and make sure they are secure.
- Next, you should check the packing and related mechanical seals for safety.
- Sometimes the pump flanges may leak. So, check them whether or not these are still leak-proof.
- Also, the couplings or washers may get wear off. Check their durability and function properly.
- Lastly, thoroughly inspect the connected clean filters.
- Once you have checked the mechanical parts of the water pump, it’s time to move on to the electrical sections. It includes:
- All the pump terminations need to be snuggly fitted with proper tightness.
- The windings and pump motor vents will build-up dust and debris. Check for such build-ups.
- If you find any such debris collection follow the user manual to clean the windings and vents.
- The contractor sometimes may get overheated and arcing. You should check and solve these issues.
- Sometimes insulation failure will cause you electric shocks. To prevent them use a megohmmeter to check the insulation. If something seems wrong, repair it immediately.
- Finally, inspect the O-ring, washers, and seals. If something appears leaky or worn off, immediately change the part. It will boost the overall lifespan of the pump.
These are all about water pump maintenance, repairing, and servicing tips. It should help you get better performance from the motor.
Conclusion
The answer to the question, ‘how long does a water pump last’ is approximately 1,00,000 kilometers to 1,50,000 kilometers. So, it is sure to serve you for at least a couple of years.
Nonetheless, you can actually extend the working life of the pump with proper and timely servicing. If you feel the maintenance work tough, there’s always the option to call a professional and let him take over the charge. It won’t cost you much.
