re
Sooo. I'm going to assume that "grindy", "bearing sounding" noise I've been
  >hearing all summer is my water pump.

"Asumme" is a key word here.  It always pays to take a couple of minutes to
undo the water pump/alternator belt, and feel both the water pump and the
alternator for roughness, play, grinding etc.
I find rough bearings in alternators fairly commonl, y and loose on their
mounting  brackets too.   Also a lot of side play in alternator bearings,
sometimes.
Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike" <mbucchino@CHARTER.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: To use Bars Leaks or not.....

  I've even used a length of breather hose to listen to one spot.  I second
the 'notion that you've got to watxh out for moving parts/ belts, etc.

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: David Beierl
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
  Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 8:16 PM
  Subject: Re: To use Bars Leaks or not.....

  At 05:24 PM 9/16/2009, B Feddish wrote:
  >Sooo. I'm going to assume that "grindy", "bearing sounding" noise I've
been
  >hearing all summer is my water pump. I've suspected it all along but
wishful
  >thinking kept me thinking my newly rebuilt engine was just around the

  Get a mechanic's stethoscope.  Lisle is a good brand; the one they
  sell in Pep Boys is not.  Remember not to stick the end in a moving
  belt, and you'll soon find out where your grinding is coming from.  A
  long screwdriver pressed to your ear works too, but the 'scope is
  better as well as easier and probably safer.

  Yours,
  David