stuck water pump

camshaft · 01-01-2007, 03:44 PM

I have a 1993 325is which over heated a few days ago, no apparent head gasket problems, I caught it in time. I suspect a bad water pump impeller(plastic?) or thermostat,. all belts hoses and fluid levels are fine. The thermostat tested good, the only problem is the water pump will not come out! I removed the four nuts that hold it on and broke the seal with a rubber hammer, it is loose but it will not pull out. I can only wiggle the pump a very small amount and can just get a large screw driver in to pry a bit, but am afraid of damaging the housing. Any advice would be appreciated.

shadowpuck · 01-01-2007, 08:12 PM

Hmm...I've removed a few of these pumps now and haven't had one stick yet. From reading other sites, it sounds like it does happen.

I found a link that talks about backing the pump out using bolts - you might give that a try....
here's the link:
http://logun.org/h2o_pump.htm

camshaft · 01-02-2007, 03:29 PM

Great advice! I used the 6m bolts that held the thermostat housing on, and they pulled the pump right out.

Now all I have to do is find every piece of the broken impeller that caused all this trouble in the first place.

Thanks Much!

shadowpuck · 01-02-2007, 05:34 PM

Sorry you have to clean out the (I assume) plastic impeller. Check carefully to make sure everything is clean - don't forget to make sure the surface area where the new pump as well as the t-stat housing will mate is nice and clean.

Glad that trick worked - I hadn't had to try it yet so was a bit hesitant to suggest it...