Addressing Common Installation Errors with Electric Water Pumps
Electric water pumps are being used by OEMs more frequently thanks to a number of benefits. They provide less load on vehicle engines, which decreases fuel consumption, improves engine-off cooling and increases fuel economy.
Main Function of the Electric Water Pump
On vehicles with internal combustion engines, the primary role of an electric water pump is to maintain fluid flow in a coolant system. It also designed to keep the engine and critical components such as heater cores and radiators at safe operating temperatures.
On electric and hybrid electric vehicles, EWPs keep battery packs, motors and inverters at safe temperatures. They are also used on many stop/start vehicles to maintain interior heating comfort.
While electric pumps do have several advantages, the Dayco tech team has seen a number of installation errors arise – both with main EWPs and auxiliary coolant pumps. There are three key mistakes that can occur with EWP replacement.
- Installation Mistake #1 – Coolant Confusion
The first mistake is mixing various types of coolant and/or mixing coolant with tap water. This causes a chemical reaction that thickens the coolant and stops its flow. It is a recipe for disaster – a 50/50 ratio is needed for proper performance. Diluting or enriching coolant mixture removes anti-corrosive properties and impedes additives designed to keep fluid from freezing or boiling. This small mistake actually has BIG consequences since it can damage the pump seal and cause failure way before the product’s intended service life.
- Installation Mistake #2 – Failure to Flush
The second installation error happens when a water pump is serviced or replaced without flushing the coolant. Technicians should replace the coolant when a water pump is changed – in fact, 95% of water pump failures occur due to this mistake. If a customer refuses the coolant change, they need to understand that the old coolant will not be able to keep the engine and other vital components at safe temperatures.
- Installation Mistake #3 – Getting Grounded
The third mistake is not looking into why the failure occurred. Always check voltage to the pump to be sure there is no voltage drop in wiring or connections. Just as important, confirm there is a good proper ground for the pump. Low voltage and/or bad grounds will ruin a new pump just as quickly as bad coolant.
So, when installing a new electric water pump, be sure to flush and service the cooling system properly, check operating voltage and ground connections, and always use a premium pump.
Dayco’s electric pumps have self-lubricating graphite composite bearings, durable glass fiber reinforced housing materials and stainless-steel components to prevent rest. For more information, check them out here.
