engine and drivetrain do you think the water pump is the culprit-? long

[huston02]

Car was running too cool with lukewarm heat out the vents, put in new 80 degree thermostat a couple weeks ago, much better heat in the cabin and temp guage sat right at 3 o'clock until the past couple of days. Driving in cold weather (20 degrees F) today, temp guage stays at 3 o'clock or slightly cooler when on the highway, but in stop and go starts creeping up to about 2 o'clock until I speed up again. There is also a clattering noise from the front of the engine, most noticeable when in gear (auto trans) and stopped, gets quieter when shifted into neutral and seems to go away when rpms rise while driving. After driving at high speed (75mph) for 20 min or so, the clatter is much quieter when at a stop in gear. Does this sound like water pump or something more ominous?

[Napes]

been driving her ' 76 auto for 7 yrs. and I don't think the symptons you've described sound like a water pump. But, check the tension on the alternator/water pump belt, and, I'd pay close attention to the alt. bracket to see if the bushings may be bad and need replacing. Wiggle the alt. and see if bracket moves, especially @ the lower end. Next, how many miles are on your tranny? They do not seem to last much past 110K to 125K miles. My experience is, that when they fail you're just motoring along and suddenly, w/out warning. it's like you shifted into neutral, but in reality, it'll do nothing no matter which gear you select. Email me if you have further questions

Bob Napier

[Guest Anonymous]

I have noticed similar temp changes in various cars throughout the years. The best I can figure it is that some thermostats are more sensitive than others. Since the thermostat in a 2002 is not attached to the block - and therefore does not have anything other than atmospheric air and coolant temp to affect it - it may read cooler at speed and warmer at idle because of the airflow (and lack of it) cooling effect.

As to the rest of what you have noticed, carefully check your dwell and timing.

Also, has the head or block been shaved? If so, do you have an adjustable timing gear on your cam? Many small things can have a major effect.

[Rob7502]

I wouldnt worry about the temp. You get more air through the Rad. when driving at 10mph than you do with the fan at a stop. Now for the noise, if you suspect that it can be the pump, loosen the fan belt and reach down and try to move the fan back and forth if it moves the bearings in the pump are on there way out and it is time for a new pump.

[c.d.iesel]

when the noise is loudest , stop -

and remove the waterpump / alt. belt - and listen.

Pray it's not the automatic trans that's causing the noise.

trans noise = broken vanes inside the torque converter

loose chattering bands or clutch packs

worn front pump

remove the trans oil pan and inspect for metal

fragments

If the noise originates from the water pump

alternator area - bad water pump, or

alternator bearings

or- rattle comes from timing chain tensioner,

chain, guide rails, oil pump and it's chain

Happy Hunting

[huston02]

Thanks for all the ideas. Weather here in Denver has warmed into the 50's and while driving today I can't for the life of me get the car to reproduce the sound. Temp guage looks fine, a little warmer while stopped than while driving, but never gets too warm....and no noise. Don't know if the ambient air temp has anything to do with it or not, but I'll wait for the next cold day and see. Thanks again.