It looks like the water pump seal/gasket has given up the ghost (jet of water spraying rearwards out from the top left hand side of the engine).

 

The pump isn't noisy and I really don't have the cash to replace it, but can you buy just the gasket/seal ?

Replace the complete pump, it'll be the gland that's leaking rather than the gasket.

https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/fabia/fab/2003-225/1/121-121020/

8 hours ago, sepulchrave said:

it'll be the gland that's leaking rather than the gasket.

 

Not really sure what the 'gland' is, unfortunately I know nothing about these engines

 

Thanks for the link @Wino

21 minutes ago, Panther_uk said:

 

Not really sure what the 'gland' is, unfortunately I know nothing about these engines

 

Thanks for the link @Wino

In this context, a gland is a seal on the shaft of a rotary pump.

Water definately seems to be coming from the joint between the water pump housing and the block so will see if I can change this first.

 

Apart from the pump being connected to one of the engine mounts, is it relatively easy to change ?

https://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/fabia-mk1/drive_unit/1.0/37;_1.4/44;_1.4/50_kw_mpi_engine/engine_cooling/parts_of_cooling_system_summary_of_components/removing_and_installing_coolant_pump/

 

You might get away with a cheeky sump-based engine support rather than a cross beam, not sure how strong the MPI sumps are, probably strong enough.  I think the bolts of the engine mount are supposed to be single use, but I'll find the relevant page and link that in a minute.

Yep, supposed to replace, torque/angle figures quoted here: https://workshop-manuals.com/skoda/fabia-mk1/drive_unit/1.0/37;_1.4/44;_1.4/50_kw_mpi_engine/engine_assycylinder_blockcrankcase/removing_and_installing_engine/assembly_bracket/

Just spoke to Skoda, they can no longer get hold of the seals

 

Looks like I might have to get a new pump anyway

I wouldn't be surprised if they're telling little porkie-pies because they can't be bothered to order in a 50p part for you.

Available here but probably steep on postage https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/047121228-water-pump-seal-mpi-oe-5273.html

 

Try Mike via [email protected] he'll tell the truth about availability.

UK-based source: https://www.hunt4vwparts.co.uk/products/genuine-vag-gasket-047121228

6 minutes ago, Wino said:

UK-based source: https://www.hunt4vwparts.co.uk/products/genuine-vag-gasket-047121228

 

@Wino you're a star part ordered, £2.41 including postage !!

33 minutes ago, Wino said:

I wouldn't be surprised if they're telling little porkie-pies because they can't be bothered to order in a 50p part for you.

Available here but probably steep on postage https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/047121228-water-pump-seal-mpi-oe-5273.html

 

Try Mike via [email protected] he'll tell the truth about availability.

 

I wouldnt. Loads of MPI parts are no longer produced and stock is diminishing. OE head bolts and head gaskets are no longer supplied from Skoda.

 

Been out of production for 15 years or so now?

7 hours ago, Tech1e said:

 

I wouldnt. Loads of MPI parts are no longer produced and stock is diminishing. OE head bolts and head gaskets are no longer supplied from Skoda.

 

Been out of production for 15 years or so now?

I just got a temac head gasket from my local Skoda main dealer...last Friday.

33 minutes ago, Jim7103 said:

I just got a temac head gasket from my local Skoda main dealer...last Friday.

 

They have stock at Skoda, but from what I understand when that runs out, that’s it. 

9 hours ago, Wino said:

 

You might get away with a cheeky sump-based engine support rather than a cross beam, not sure how strong the MPI sumps are, probably strong enough.  I think the bolts of the engine mount are supposed to be single use, but I'll find the relevant page and link that in a minute.

 

Yeah, I jacked my engine up with a block of wood under the sump when I did the crank pulley oil seal and had no problems. Didn't renew the engine mount bolts either and the engine hasn't fallen out yet 

22 hours ago, Tech1e said:

 

I wouldnt. Loads of MPI parts are no longer produced and stock is diminishing. OE head bolts and head gaskets are no longer supplied from Skoda.

 

Been out of production for 15 years or so now?

 

Good call @Tech1e. Had confirmation just now that the water pump gasket is indeed obsolete. There are still about a dozen TPS's with the odd few on stock.

 

16 hours ago, Tech1e said:

 

They have stock at Skoda, but from what I understand when that runs out, that’s it. 

Cool

 

OK, so I changed the gasket and all good so far but........

 

Did I do something wrong or is it just almost friggin' impossible to get the pump out because you can't pull it free of the bottom hose due to it hitting the two fixing 'studs' above the pump that have the 13mm nuts on!

 

This was by far the most frustrating thing, likewise getting it back into place was equally frustrating, everything else was pretty easy.