Water pump gone (1.8T) - ok to drive 10 mins to the garage ?

[Fabpreza]

As above, temperature suddenly soared and warning light came on, but luckily nearly home.

 

When cool this morning, took the header tank pipe off to see if coolant is being pumped (as suggested on Briskoda) and it isn't.

 

So, as the garage is literally 10 minutes away, will I do any damage by limping in - as long as I stop and let it cool down again if / as soon as the warning light flashes ?

 

It will be the plastic impellor one as I have no evidence of it being changed by previous owners even though they had FSSH and 2 cambelt changes.

 

 

[YellowCar]

Personally I don't think I would risk it, its not really the kind of problem you can drive around, can't the garage come and tow it in?

[IulianE]

I won;t risk either....you can toast/crack the cyl head easy,especialy on these 20V engines with valves so closed each other.

[Fabpreza]

Thanks both - even if I keep a close watch on the gauge and park and wait as soon as it gets to say 100?

[YellowCar]

It's the stress that the gauge doesn't show that's the problem. Could end up taking you 2 hours to get there with all the stops lol. Seriously see if they'll tow it in, would have thought they will.

[StevesTruck]

Thanks both - even if I keep a close watch on the gauge and park and wait as soon as it gets to say 100?

Do it if you want to take the gamble, but I wouldn't even think about it.

If the coolant isn't circulating, the engine will get a lot hotter in some places than others. The coolant sensor not being particularly close to the valves.

[YellowCar]

^^exactly, the gauge won't give you the whole story.

[IulianE]

at least connect an ELM or VCDS to se the exact engine temp

For a 10 pounds stat is stupid to risk an engine

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

Do NOT drive the car with a failed waterpump - in fact don't even start it.

 

Forget the temperature gauge - it is only showing you the temperature of the coolant at the sensor.

 

The temperature of the pistons, rings and bores will rise incredibly quickly without circulating coolant - this will not show up on the gauge. You are in great danger of causing pick-up in the bore, seizure, cracked liners or a warped head.

 

Do not do it!

[mannyo]

If the pump has failed the temperature sensor will be giving false readings as coolant is not flowing past the sensor. The readings the gauge will be showing as that of static water only.

 

Depending on what has failed, then you could terminally kill the engine if the cambelt slips or comes off because the pump pulley could fail completely if the pump jams on something like a broken piece of impeller.

[Fabpreza]

Ok, understood. Will see what I can do with my Breakdown and Recovery cover - I think its 1/4 mile from home...

 

Mannyo - I can still picture your original red Jabba'd vRS hatch from when I had my first one 13 years ago - how good were (/are?) they are remapping !!

[russell wheeler]

Don't you have a friend with a tow rope ?

[Fabpreza]

Wouldn't chance it round here - far too many fast roads, roundabouts and unqualified drivers.  If I'd been up visiting family near your neck of the woods (Cleveleys)  I wouldn't have had a problem :no:

[Liverpool-Lad]

Push it

[Fabpreza]

Not a bad idea - bound to get £250 from You've Been Framed if I video what happens - bill sorted

[IulianE]

Christ,I paid 30 pounds for 8 miles

[YellowCar]

Didn't know Jesus is a Briskodian

[StevesTruck]

Wouldn't chance it round here - far too many fast roads, roundabouts and unqualified drivers.  If I'd been up visiting family near your neck of the woods (Cleveleys)  I wouldn't have had a problem :no:

 

Worst case, just get someone who doesn't give a **** with a decent sized vehicle to escort you.

[StevesTruck]

Didn't know Jesus is a Briskodian

 

God rides a Harley, so a Greenline's probably about right for a bearded sandle-wearer.

[Fabpreza]

Christ,I paid 30 pounds for 8 miles

 

Sorted - £30 round here as well as it turns out.

 

Cheers - or should that be "bless you all" ?

[faradaycage]

Sorted - £30 round here as well as it turns out.

 

Cheers - or should that be "bless you all" ?

Pfft....the least you could have done is turn some water into wine for us :p

Edited 30 March, 2015 by faradaycage

[YellowCar]

Praise be he is saved!

[IulianE]

imagen

[faradaycage]

 

imagen

 

......................or Middlesborough ,as it is more commonly known,here on earth.

[Fabpreza]

 

Well it looks like a clean break !