No.  If it was not used for a long time, the calcification has built up in
it and won't turn.  You can take it out and force it to turn, thus breaking
up the cristals, adding 12V to it to run.  Sometimes it won't help and you
need to buy a new one for about $40.
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "zzyzx" <zzyzx9@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 10:12 AM
Subject: 1980 Westfalia water pump question

> Vehicle = 1980 Westfalia
>
> Question is does the water tank have to have water in it for the water
> pump to get power?
>
> Steve