Not counting rust and corroision, this should be about a 3 hour job, including filling and bleeding the cooling system. If the bearing failed, you need to check the case for damage from the impeller. Repair as needed with a good epoxy. If the case gouge is bad enough, pump capacity at idle will be lost and there can be overheating problems.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Greg Potts
Date: Friday, February 23, 2007 10:06 am
Subject: Water pump replacement
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> Hi Volks,
>
>
> I wonder if I should start with an aplogy for posting a question with
> Vanagon content on a Friday? (No, I don't think so.)
>
> It's mere days before my parents are due home from their "Escape from
> Winter" tour, and last night I heard some nasty noises from the
> Sunroof Vanagon's engine compartment. Almost like a rod knock or a
> spun bearing, but much less rythmic. I also had a flashing red light
> on the dash. A closer look determined that the water pump is toast.
>
> I have ordered a replacement pump; but I haven't read through the
> procedure in the Bentley yet. I'll be doing that tonight.
>
> Questions:
> Are there any shortcuts or steps I can take to make this
> easier?? How
> many hours labour would typically be charged for this? I might
> do it
> myself, but I don't have a shop and the weather this weekend is not
> all that warm.
>
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Greg Potts
> 1973/74/77/79 Westfakia "Bob The Tomato
> www.pottsfamily.ca
>