Replacing Water Pump Belt

[stevengpenn]

Hello All,

My name is Steven, new member & first time posting here, I'm the proud owner for 7 years now of a 2001 v6 toyo 4runner. I had some trouble on the way to work today with my cooling system and began to overheat. After pulling over and making sure i had enough coolant in her, I continued on to work and experienced more probs. It seemed though if I actually gunned it, the engine temp would drop for a bit, which made me think it was the serp. belt that runs the water pump slipping?

I am not a big car guy but want to start doing my own repairs. If in the interest of saving cash until im paid in a few days, i want to replace only the belt powering the water pump, how can i know which one is the right belt at the auto parts store?

Would the #'s (perhaps serial or parts numbers) on the current belts correspond to the new ones i would purchase at the store, or would the sales clerk at the store be able to tell me which one is the correct belt for the pump? Just didnt want to waste a trip if I cant figure out which of the three belts to buy. Thanks all

-Steve

 

[Gerdo]

Welcome.
FYI. The waterpump is driven by the timing belts which are buried. Most people change the pump, among other parts, when they change the timing belts. I doubt that this is you problem. The TB is cogged and if it slipped you would have bigger issues. You may have... a bad fan clutch, debris on your radiator, gunk inside your radiator, low on coolant, bad thermostat, bad waterpump, among others.

How many miles are on the vehicle? The timingbelt/waterpump, and parts, should be changed ever 90,000 miles or so.

I would start with checking your coolant level. Open the radiator cap only when the engine is cool. Also check the overflow bottle for proper level (markings on the side).

 

[YotaZach85]

Welcome.
FYI. The waterpump is driven by the timing belts which are buried. Most people change the pump, among other parts, when they change the timing belts. I doubt that this is you problem. The TB is cogged and if it slipped you would have bigger issues. You may have... a bad fan clutch, debris on your radiator, gunk inside your radiator, low on coolant, bad thermostat, bad waterpump, among others.

How many miles are on the vehicle? The timingbelt/waterpump, and parts, should be changed ever 90,000 miles or so.

I would start with checking your coolant level. Open the radiator cap only when the engine is cool. Also check the overflow bottle for proper level (markings on the side).

:iagree:

You said if you gun it will drop the temp a little, sounds like a possible fan clutch or even a clogged water jacket somewhere. I would start with the advice Gerdo gave you.

 

[Dreamw0rkz]

Next time turn the heater on first so that it helps bring the temp. down. Check if theres any coolant leaking from anywhere underneath or on top of the engine to radiator assembly. check hoses to the radiator and heater hoses.. if you get coolant leaking from the center where the big crank pulley then its the water pump. If you don't see any coolant leak then probably you have a clog radiator , stuck closed thermostat , clog heater core , or your water pump blades are worn off and coolant isn't circulating.
Take it to a auto repair shop and or buy a radiator pressure tool and apply pressure to 15lbs and see if theres any leaks.

 

[Gerdo]

Could also be air stuck in the engine (coolant system). This could happen if the system was drainer or flushed. Or if the system ran low on coolant. I had a jeep that would have fluctuating temp from an air bubble. Our engines should bleed off air, I believe.

Fill the system, drive it and check again when cool.