On 7/10/07, Bruce Todd <beeceetee@gmail.com> wrote:

>Being from the air cooled family, a water pump and its behaviour is foreign
>to me.  Is there a way I can predict a possible failure?

Bruce,

The most common failure is probably worn bearings. David is correct,
an over tight belt will accelerate bearing failure.  With the belt
loose, check for play in the pump shaft.

You will be able to hear the loose bearings as a rattling noise before
the pump fails.  By this time though the impeller will be wearing a
lovely groove in your engine case. This is not a fatal condition
though this groove will reduce the efficiency of a replacement pump
somewhat.

Don't over worry about water pump failure, just enjoy your trip.
--
John Meeks

Vanagon Rescue Squad
http://www.vanagonauts.com/Vanagon_Rescue_Squad74.htm

'91 Multivan, '85 GL
Northern Michigan
KC8ZFN

~~Before a mad scientist goes mad, there's probably a time when he's
only partially mad.  And this is the time when he's going to throw his
best parties.~~