La entrada Water pump replacement: all the things you need to know se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

This article guides you through water pump leakage as a sign of engine malfunctioning, giving you all the necessary tips to prevent and react to water pump leakage and the resulting damage in the vehicle’s functioning and performance.

Water pump leaking: ¿What causes a water pump to leak?

1. Use of a wrong coolant liquid

A suitable coolant will be determined not only by the type of vehicle, but also by the climate and region where the vehicle is to be driven, thus, only the right coolant will fulfil its temperature-regulating mission.

Using the wrong refrigerant and/or mixing two different coolers can create solid residue in the circuit and cause leakage between the two contact faces of the dynamic seal. This will eventually lead to corrosive deposits that can generate clogging, cavitation damage and corrosion.

In order to choose the right coolant, it is essential to firmly consider expiry dates and follow vehicle manufacturer recommendations, as every individual engine is made of different materials and have specific needs.

2. Improper use of sealant paste

When learning how to install a water pump, remember that sealant paste is only necessary for models provided without a gasket. In such cases, be cautious, as using excessive sealant during the installation can damage the engine.

Applying the right amount of paste is crucial to avoid damaging the internal seal of the pump, as too much paste can create pollution in the system and damage the mechanical seal, resulting in water pump leakage and engine breakdown.

3. Inefficient water pump purging and/or dismantling

Never underestimate the degree to which a housing and a water pump impeller design contributes to its efficiency. Most of the wear that occurs on a water pump is on the internal parts of the unit. Experts must remove, inspect, and clean individually all auxiliary and core devices, to accurately check for wear at central parts and ensure an optimum operating condition.

Dolz’s recommended purging machine

Micrauto’s high-end technology machines eliminate at least 90% of residues in only 20-45 minutes. A highly efficient purging system that eradicates from iron oxide, to aluminum oxide and other oil residues that might cause leakage.

4. Lack of preventive maintenance

preventive maintenance should be always carried out by qualified professionals with the skills, experience and necessary tools to inspect, adjust, replace and repair any components that are not performing as intended.

Beyond this, specialists must advise end users to dig a little deeper into the condition of their water pump by carrying out routinary checks and considering best practices such as the replacement of the water pump and distribution system at the same time for a long-lasting vehicle service.

In these ways, preventive rather than corrective maintenance allows the solving of existing faults before these affect pump performances. The following offer some of the most evident and popular signs of water pump failure.

Related content: Keys to choose the best water pump company

Common signs of water pump failure

1. Coolant leaking

One of the first signs and most evident indications of a potentially faulty water pump is a puddle of colored coolant on the ground right under your parked vehicle. If the sealing of the pump cracks or breaks, the coolant will leak from the pump.

In this case, it is advisable to drive your vehicle immediately to your closest mechanic for repairing, as this can still mean a relatively easy and minor fix.

2. Engine overheating

A dying water pump cannot circulate coolant through your vehicle’s engine and, as a result, the engine will overheat. If the car temperature gauge is showing a temperature rise, it should be immediately taken to inspection.

The hotter the engine gets, the greater the chance of serious damage; including damage to the cylinders, pistons, head gasket and even resulting in engine breakdown. If you keep driving your vehicle, the damage might end up not being repairable.

Keep reading: How to detect cooling circuit problems

3. Appearance of rust and corrosion

Rust and corrosion on the water pump’s surfaces make the pump ineffective in moving the coolant. When checking your vehicle, you might spot rust or tiny holes on the exterior of the pump. If you do, it is time to replace the water pump, as a corroded or damaged one cannot operate effectively.

Yellowish and reddish coloring, white spots, incrustations and the presence of rust indicate the use of an unsuitable coolant and will eventually damage the dynamic seal, causing the pump to leak.

4. Whining noise

A high-pitched whining noise coming from the front of your vehicle’s engine when accelerating can be a sign that the water pump is failing. If the water pump components remain too loose or are worn out, the frontal part of the car will make a whining sound that some may describe as harmonic buzzing.

In many cases, the belt could be responsible for this sound. Having it replaced along with your vehicle’s maintenance schedule will keep you safe from more serious damage.

Water pump leaking: Preventions and solutions

Good quality water pumps do not leak under conditions of adequate work. Dolz’s water pumps, for instance, have its watertightness checked in a calibrated and extremely precise automatic leak detection machine. Therefore, it is important to ensure the following coolant conditions to avoid temporary leakage:

• Make sure there is no solid particles dissolved in the coolant that are smaller than 0,5mm.
• Make sure there is no air in the cooling circuit by constantly checking that the expansion vessel is within the minimum and maximum levels. Temporary pressure variations caused by air might cause a hydrostatic imbalance in the dynamic seal, causing a temporary leakage.

La entrada Water pump leaking: how to solve this problem se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

It is considered essential to maintain a good condition of the system and always use suitable coolant liquids. So, to ensure tightness and prevent liquid leaks to the outside, the water pump has a dynamic seal.

The seal is performed by the continuous contact between two highly polished flat sealing surfaces:

1. a hard material (ceramic or silicon carbide – 95% of the pumps manufactured by DOLZ have a dynamic silicon carbide seal) and
2. another self-lubricating surface (natural or synthetic graphite).

Both are held in contact by the controlled pressure of a spring, one of the surfaces turns in unison with the pump’s shaft, and the other is held hermetically attached to the body of the pump.

Water pump replacement

The excellent quality of DOLZ water pumps with the highest reliability and durability (claim rate less than 0.05%) is not enough if special care is not taken with two very important aspects:

1. The old coolant must be drained, and the coolant expansion tank cleaned or replaced if heavily soiled, including the upper radiator until the outflowing water is clear and deposits have been removed.
2. Make sure the air that has entered in the system is removed by bleeding. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The presence of air pockets in the circuit, in addition to decrease in cooling capacity, generates overpressure that can exceed the pressure of the spring that regulates the contact of the surfaces of the dynamic seal. Under these conditions, the dynamic seal acts as a safety valve, opening the contact of the surfaces and allowing the escape of liquid until the interior pressure of the circuit has normalized.
3. Remember, only it is necessary the use of sealant paste in those references where the water pump is not supplied with gasket. Some pumps are sealed with O-rings on their inlets and outlets and, in most cases, no sealant is required.

Related content: Why check the antifreeze in summer?

Garage good practices: water pump’s lifespan

Manufacturer recommendations:

• Avoid mixing different types of coolant (mineral, organic and hybrid).
• Never use distilled water in your cooling system, much less tap water, into the expansion tank.
• Recommended monoethylene glycol (MEG) concentration for freezing and boiling point is 50%.

Otherwise, it will start to leak and therefore lose coolant agent. This will result in corroded solid particles or deposits that can clog or be carried away as suspended solids due to agitation caused by the flow of the water pump and, as a result, destroy the mechanical face seals of the water pumps.

Types of residues

• Iron oxide: brown in colour and very obvious to the naked eye, this oxide blocks radiators and wears out pumps. A descaling solution must be used,
• Aluminum oxide: coolant becomes brown or completely black, it blocks the radiators just like iron oxide. A descaling product must be used,
• Oil residues: Oil residues located in the upper part of the expansion vessel or in the radiator cap. Caution: check the condition of the sleeves. A descaling solution must be used.

In the following pictures we can see how affects this correct or incorrect use to the water pump:

1. SUITABLE coolant

The alkaline PH of these coolants and the accumulation of these acids lowers the pH of the engine coolant composition gradually darkening the water pump surfaces that have been in contact with them. This effect is normal and indicates it’s the suitable coolant.

2.  UNSUITABLE coolant: appear of solid residues in the cooling system

Yellowish and reddish colouring, white spots, incrustations, the presence of white or red rust, indicate the use of an unsuitable coolant which will damage the two contact surfaces of the dynamic seal and cause the pump to leak.

The weep hole drains also provide information on the conditions of the coolant used as we can see below:

DOLZ water pumps, tested quality

Now that we know how to replace the water pump to ensure its durability and good performance, let’s see what benefits DOLZ-GGT water pumps offer:

1. 95% of the water pumps are manufactured with a silicon carbide seal.
2. Design according to OE specifications.
3. Optimal leak tightness and longevity of all water pumps through rigorous calibration tests.
4.  2-year warranty from the date of purchase or 50,000 km.

How do we guarantee the water pumps competitiveness and quality?

Dolz offers its customers a tried-and-tested product for an optimum performance.

Different quality controls are defined in all production stages. All of them, are integral to ensuring success – be it in manufacturing or delivery of services. These are: Aluminium pressure die casting / Product operations (shot blasting, stamping, grinding, etc.) / Machining / Assembly / Packaging.

Keep reading: Edless quality. Discover DOLZ Total Quality Control Process.

All this controlled in accordance with the most demanding quality standards, always matching Original Equipment Quality, to ensure that safety, performance, and quality are outstanding.

Furthermore, these quality tests involve every stage of the manufacturing process. This helps to identify where a problem is occurring and the corrective steps you require to prevent it in the future.

La entrada Garage good practices: water pump replacement se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

Why is it important to choose the right water pump brand?

When it comes to picking a water pump brand, it’s important to notice not all water pumps are made equal. 

As such, a reliable company translates into a reliable supply of high-quality water pumps that: 

• Are made with premium materials and components, and through quality production processes 
• Presents the maximum durability 
• Minimizes maintenance issues and needs

What should you look at when looking for a water pump brand?

1. Are water pumps their main focus?

When a company specializes in a particular product and those related to it, it’s likely to provide a higher quality, as their main processes and resources are aimed at said product. 

2. Does the company offer water pumps that include all the necessary accessories?

For water pumps to work properly, there are some elements that should not be overlooked, such as the need to include a gasket for its correct installation or the indications and technical specifications in its replacement process. For this reason, a trusted brand of water pumps will always supply the water pump together with the gasket, if necessary, screws if required and will deliver it with the assembly instructions.

3. Do they have an in-house manufacturing process?

In-house manufacturing provides an extra guarantee for brands to be able to meet established timelines.

At the same time, in-house production of water pumps may also be a mark for strict quality controls, as the company is able to monitor performance and results and apply the needed changes in a flexible manner. 

4. Do they invest in innovation?

While water pumps have been around for a while now, the possibilities for enhancing their functioning and efficiency evolve as new materials and processes are made viable. Picking the right water pump brand means looking at their R&D department and seeing tangible examples of innovation in their production, as well as their adaptation to the 4.0 Industry.

5. Does the brand have good customer service?

A good customer service implies the company is ready to accommodate the needs and requirements of their clients, but also can provide guidance in terms of operation, maintenance, or replacement of parts. 

6. Do they offer a guarantee?

First things first, a high-quality water pump brand will provide a durable and reliable system. However, they’re also able to offer a guarantee for their products and can provide a realistic life expectancy around their water pumps. 

7. What is their experience?

Long-running experience in manufacturing means a water pump brand has been able to meet client expectations as well as collect insight on the best manufacturing methods. 

Additionally, a long experience is also typically a synonym of enhanced support for clients, translating into helpful tips on how to install a water pump or how to find out when a water pump needs to be changed, along with other useful advice.

8. Can they offer client testimonials?

Positive client testimonials can provide insight into how well a water pump brand adjusts to company needs: you can search for online reviews or ask directly for testimonials or referrals in order to find out about their past services.

9. Do they have any certifications? Do they perform any equipment testing?

Having complied with ISO 9001 quality standards and ISO 14001:2015 environmental certification is often a sign that a water pump brand takes measures to guarantee premium quality in their equipment. 

Other proof might involve the performance of water pump leakage tests, guaranteeing that their equipment is sealed doesn’t leak under proper working conditions.

10. What are their installations like?

The best water pump brand will typically have investment in comprehensive production installations in order to provide a reliable supply to their clients. 

Keep reading: Top 5 mistakes to avoid when installing the water pump

Dolz, your trusted water pump brand

Industrias Dolz is a Europe-based water pump brand specializing in the production of water pumps that are innovative, efficient, reliable and sustainable. 

Capable of offering a worldwide supply, we offer a wide range of water pumps and water pump kits to meet different technical requirements all by employing the highest-possible materials. As such, we’re able to provide:

• In-house production for guaranteed continuity. This makes Industrias Dolz At one of the few companies in the sector presenting an entire in-house manufacturing process end to end.
• Experience. Industrias Dolz’s journey as a water pump brand started 90 years ago. With more than 5.5 million units manufactured every year, we provide our clients an unparalleled expertise.
• Regulation. We follow the most demanding quality standards, including the ISO certifications mentioned above. Being all our products equivalent to OE Quality (art. 1 Block Exemption Regulation EC 1400/2002).
• Extensive catalog. Our product catalog includes more than 1,300 PN’s for automobiles and industrial vehicles. This means our production covers 97% of the European vehicle fleet and 80% of the truck fleet.

• Innovation. Our R&D department is able to develop more than 50 new references each year, guaranteeing Industrias Dolz remain market leaders.

Learn more about our reputation as a reliable, global water pump brand and discover how we can help you access the best water pumps.

La entrada 10 questions to ask when choosing a water pump brand se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

Currently on the market you can find different types of water pumps such as mechanical water pumps, variable water pumps, electric water pumps…

Mechanical water pumps had relied solely on engine motion. However, the current trend of refrigeration on demand has come to evolve this type of pump, offering variable versions and technological advantages that allow more efficient operation.

This article reflects an overview of the different versions that Industrias Dolz offers of its water pump OE 04L121011 and shows in detail their differences in terms of design and functionality.

Water pump versions OE 04L121011

Dolz offers three versions of the A255 water pump on the market. On the one hand, we find its two mechanical options: A255 and A255E, the latter being an ‘economy’ version as it has an IAM design in its internal bearing. 

On the other hand, there is the third and most innovative version, the variable water pump A255V and which we will later discover its particularities in design and behavior.

OE 04L121011 is suitable for more than 350 applications, also from Audi, Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen models with TDI diesel engines manufactured since 2009, including vans such as the Volkswagen Caddy, Multivan, California or Transporter, up to applications for the most modern models such as Volkswagen T-Roc, Golf 7, Seat Arona or Ateca, Skoda Kodiaq or Karoq, Audi A3, A4, etc.

Mechanical version: A255 y A255E

Mechanical water pumps are the most common on the market.

The importance of the water pump has generated the continuous search for alternative technologies to be more and more efficient. Therefore, given the evolution of this component of the cooling system, there are increasingly more complex water pumps on the aftermarket that have more electronics and more complex designs. 

Although it is true that all of them, regardless of their version, are designed to fulfill the same function: Internal combustion engine cooling.

A255 and A255E mechanical water pumps have a turbine that, with the help of the motion of the crankshaft, projects the coolant towards the engine block. They are connected to a pulley by a bearing shaft that is driven through the timing.

Variable version: A255V

Unlike mechanical pumps, a variable water pump supplies coolant based on the needs of the engine.

A255V water pump therefore allows a more precise control of the flow throughout the cooling circuit. And this is due to its electric actuator based on the on/off principle that adapts the capacity to the different motor operating conditions.

Differences about Design

In terms of design, there are two main differences. Let’s see the picture below:

A255V, unlike the mechanical version, it has a ring around the impeller, which receives the order from the vehicle’s control unit to go up or down, allowing the impeller to run or not the coolant.

Depending on the point of operation, the actuator pushes the adjustable ring in or releases it again.

On the other hand, there is a difference in the water pump bearing. While A255 and A255V have an external bearing, the ‘economy’ version has a different design incorporating an internal bearing. 

Read more: “Discovering the main water pump components“

Assembly instructions

For A255 and A255E (mechanical version) please unscrew the electric switch of the original water pump (OE) and screw it into the specific housing as shown in the images.

Dolz, water pumps with the latest technology

DOLZ produces and distributes water pumps for passenger cars and industrial vehicles for the aftermarket since 1934.

Dolz water pumps are ISO 9001:20015 certificate, which means quality 100% tested.

Regarding the quality control phases, the tightness test using a calibrated leak instrument to verify the air pressure drop is within the defined tolerances and thus prevent cavitation.

A process as simple as it is fundamental and for which, among many other factors, DOLZ water pumps are the pumps with the highest quality on the market.

Among our extensive range of water pumps, you will find:

• Water pumps for passenger cars
• Water pumps for industrial vehicles
• Auxiliary electric water pumps
• Variable water pumps
• Electric water pumps

We manufacture more than 5.5 million units per year over a range which comprises more than 1,300 PN’s.

For further information on any of our product lines, receive commercial information or technical product specifications (including assembly notes), CLICK HERE.

…All in Dolz!

La entrada Types of water pumps: A255 – A255E – A255V (OE 04L121011) se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.

Some water pumps, depending on the vehicle application, may or may not have a back housing. This component is independent of the water pump. Always located on the opposite side of the impeller, its main function is to house the thermostats and accurately regulate the coolant flow. The housing may be made of different materials, generally being plastic or aluminum, depending on the vehicle’s manufacturer.

These covers have a weep hole, just a few millimeters in diameter, whose function is to drain any coolant leakage that may occur due to a faulty seal. In addition, they serve as a connection point between the engine and the upper radiator hose.

Among its main benefits we find:

• Higher engine efficiency.
• Lower fuel consumption and decrease in CO2 emissions.
• Energy saving.

DOLZ range summary

Don’t miss it. Our range of water pumps with and without back housing suitable for Audi, Seat, Škoda & Volkswagen. All of them manufactured with an optimized design that ensure cooling at high RPM’s.

About our range, we highlight A282TM water pump, whose back housing is metallic which is more resistant to cracking and possible breakage.

Also noteworthy, A281 water pump with an auxiliary belt and a thermal management module integrated. This module enables the optimal operating temperature in a short period of time and with high precision.

The entire range is supplied with all components required for its correct assembly: water pump, gasket, cover anchor bolts, etc.

The complete range consists of: 

Related content: Dolz water pump: Maintenance tips and best practices.

Dolz, your safety choice.

DOLZ Water Pumps comply with all current regulations for adaptability and functionality regarding OEMs.

At Industrias Dolz we always recommend the replacement of all the elements that intervene in the distribution of the engine at the same time. Replacing the water pump and timing belt will improve the performance of this operation in both quality and safety. The fact is, by performing the replacement at the same time, the parts are better coupled to each other from the beginning and the water pump bearings do not weaken so easily.

Get in contact for more information.

…yes we have!

La entrada Water pumps with & without Back Housing se publicó primero en Industrias Dolz.