Water pump

[Z71]

Are there problems with 2013 water pumps on the 1.8 liter engine as well? Supposedly there was a recall only on the 1.4 liter engine water pump.

When these pumps "fail", what exactly fails? The water pump shaft seal, or the impeller? BTW, is the impeller made of metal or plastic?

At 30k miles I had to add about 1 quart of coolant to the overflow bottle as the level dropped. The level remained pretty much constant for the next 5k miles. Is this normal due to coolant boil off?

 

[$ub$onic]

Most 1.8's tend to leak at the thermostat housing when coolant starts disappearing, but it could have a small leak elsewhere.

 

[mitdr774]

No recall for the 1.4 water pump, just a special policy. They are completely different.

 

[Z71]

According to what I found, the 2013 thermostat housing may still be plastic. Is the thermostat housing under that metal heat shield on the front of the engine? If yes, then the shield must be removed to be able to inspect the housing for leaks. I will take a look at it tomorrow. Usually white powdery deposits are a tell tale sign of a coolant leak. If it leaks, it must be very slow. The water pump is on the front of the engine and accessory belt driven, right?

 

[mitdr774]

do you have a 1.8 or 1.4? On the 1.8 its on the "back" of the engine above the oil filter.

 

[Z71]

do you have a 1.8 or 1.4? On the 1.8 its on the "back" of the engine above the oil filter.

1.8. And nevermind, I found the T housing. I was looking at the engine at dark previously, so I could not see very clearly. The housing is plastic and I do not see any signs of a coolant leak. Are all new housings upgraded to metal now? It looks like the thermostat is built into the housing and is non replaceable. So you must replace the whole housing.