Repeated failure of water pump

[rrmullins]

I have a 2000 vw beetle w/manual transmission. My mechanic has installed 3 water pumps in 4 months. He installed the 3rd water pump about a month ago and today that stupid red temp. light beeped at me and I had to add anti-freeze. I'm afraid it went out again. Can anyone think of a reason that this would be happening? I wish I could take my car somewhere else, but I already paid $1500 to fix the water pump and can't really afford to take it anywhere else. If you all could help me think of a reason this would be happening, then I can make suggestions to my mechanic. Thanks!

[FarrisK]

Well, seeing as how the guy you're taking it to now can't seem to do it right, I would take it to another place and save having to do it again within the next month or two. It's cheaper to do it right once than to do it wrong twice.

Also, get one with a metal impeller.
http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_...roducts_id=918

Edit: Just saw that this was in the 2.0 gasser section... I have no idea about the impellers of the 2.0s, so disregard that link to TDIparts.com

[Growler]

Farris, the waterpumps for the ALH tdi are the same as for the 2.0 no worries.

rrmullins, where are you located? ECSTuning has a nice kit with the wp & timing belt stuff in it for your 2.0 the deluxe kit has the motor mount bolts and coolant you will need as well.

If they are pulling the water pump, that means they are taking you timing belt system apart and also separating the motor mount. There are a few 1 time use bolts in that area and you waant to make sure that they do not get reused. You do not want you motor to fall out of the car to the ground because this mechanic has stripped the threads out of your motor mount. the motor must be supported with the 16mm bolts into the chassis loose and zero weight on the 18mm bolts when removing and reinstalling the motor mount. Otherwise, threads in the aluminum mount can and do get stripped, causing your motor to fall to the ground, sadly, this usually happens about 3 days after any warranty expires.

Do be very careful who you have work on your car and that they take the re-timing of your car and replacement/reinstall of these motor mount bolts seriously.

Best of luck!

Aaron

[rrmullins]

My mechanic told me that he used a metal water pump. The third time he changed the water pump he said he must have received a bad batch of parts. At that time I asked him what could be causing the part to fail over and over again and he said "nothing". He also said he did a block test and the engine is in sound working condition. I guess I just took the car to the wrong place. Originally I was happy because another mechanic told me I needed a new engine. I was happy to pay $1500 for water pump, timing belt and tune up rather than $3000 for a new engine.

Growler - I live in Columbus, OH

[Growler]

Originally Posted by rrmullins

My mechanic told me that he used a metal water pump. The third time he changed the water pump he said he must have received a bad batch of parts. At that time I asked him what could be causing the part to fail over and over again and he said "nothing". He also said he did a block test and the engine is in sound working condition. I guess I just took the car to the wrong place. Originally I was happy because another mechanic told me I needed a new engine. I was happy to pay $1500 for water pump, timing belt and tune up rather than $3000 for a new engine.

Growler - I live in Columbus, OH

PM sent with contact info.

I can take care of you and wont bend you over on the price.. AND you can sleep knowing that things will be taken care of properly. just ask around these parts or check my signature for what people think of my work.

Aaron

BTW< a timing belt/wp install and plug/wire install would cost about 1/4 of what you already paid. since you already have the plugs & wires, redoing the timing belt stuff would be even less.. and you would have all new motor mount bolts & rollers/tensioner/WP NOT made of Chinesium...

[hestersu]

I can vouch for Aaron being a stand up guy. He knows his stuff and will take care of you.