Your vehicle’s water pump ensures an efficient coolant flow through the cooling system to keep the engine cooled down.
But unfortunately, all Duramax engines frequently experience water pump failure. So let’s find out more about your Duramax water pump symptoms!
Duramax Water Pump Symptoms
1. You’ll Notice Coolant Leakage
When a Duramax water pump fails, it may spill from any gasket or the axle sealing. Gaskets are used in the water pump to seal the coolant and maintain continuous water flow.
However, with time, these gaskets may degrade to the point where they are utterly worthless, allowing coolant to flow underneath the water pump.
As a result, you should take your Duramax to be repaired if there is a pool of coolant or water beneath the front of the vehicle. It indicates that the water pump has likely failed.
2. You’ll Hear Squealing Or Grinding Sounds
Coolant may seep into the water pump’s bearings when a Duramax water pump fails, drying up the grease and producing a screaming sound whenever the engine is on.
So, if your water pump is screeching, you should repair it immediately because driving might be disastrous to your engine, especially if the timing belt is powering the water pump.
Therefore, do not hesitate to check your water pump instantly to prevent further damage if you hear this sound.
3. Duramax’s Loose Timing Or Serpentine Belt
Among the essential parts of your Duramax engine is the timing belt. It regulates when a valve opens and closes. If the water pump fails, the timing belt may become slack.
Therefore, your engine might suffer from a loose timing belt in various ways. The overall engine cycle may be jeopardized, and inefficient combustion might result in problems with the engine.
Of course, this may also decrease your car’s poor performance. In addition, your engine’s efficiency will be constrained by a loose timing belt, which will also lower its power.
4. There’ll Be Loose Axle
Your Duramax water pump rotates and pumps coolant under the power of a timing or serpentine belt. A loose belt might result from a worn-out water pump axle.
Generally, if this occurs, the water pump will need to be replaced entirely. But, first, you must take the serpentine or timing belt off to check the axle of the water pump.
Consequently, the axle must be immediately replaced if there is any damage.
5. Duramax Will Experience Overheated Engine
The primary function of the water pump to your Duramax is to circulate coolant throughout the system to keep the engine cool.
Therefore, the temperature indicator on the dashboard will increase if the water pump mysteriously malfunctions.
Numerous factors, like thermostat failure or damaged electrical wiring, might cause this, and you should have it looked at by a qualified technician.
Otherwise, you risk causing extensive harm to the cylinders, head gasket, and pistons, which all can shorten the engine’s overall lifespan.
6. You’ll See Smoke Coming Out Of The Radiator
White smoke from your radiator indicates that your water pump has failed.
Of course, the Duramax overheated engine that causes the smoke in the radiator might occur if your vehicle’s water pump isn’t operating correctly.
So, it is safer to avoid any damage it may cause, so it is better to stop the vehicle, let the engine cool down, and contact a mechanic.
7. Duramax Engine’s Temperature Will Be Unstable
The impeller on your Duramax water pump axle may be loose, which would cause occasional issues with the water pump.
Occasionally, this will cause your vehicle to overheat, and other times cause it to function normally for a few weeks.
But if it’s about the water pumps, it’s always best to be safe than sorry, so change it if you suspect it’s broken.
8. Rust, Corrosion, Deposit Buildup, And Cavitation Are Present
The water pump loses its ability to move coolant due to rust and corrosion on its surface, such as corrosion of the impeller fins.
In addition, the coolant’s vapor chambers, or “bubbles,” burst with explosive power, leaving the pump’s various parts with pockmarks. Then the scratched regions rust away.
Further, deposits, sludge, and scale accumulate on the interior, blocking the water pump and impeding the effective operation of each of its parts.
As a result, your Duramax water pump functions ineffectively, causing disappointing road trips. So, make sure everything is checked, especially if you are headed on a long journey.
9. Holes On The Dry Side Of Your Duramax Water Pump
The water pump’s perforations may be seen because of the production of bubbles at the pump’s coolant input.
Of course, as the pressure builds, the bubbles explode and cause damage. So no matter how well-maintained your car is, its water pump will eventually stop working.
Additionally, the outside seals start to degrade and crack with time. If vehicle owners ever look at the water pump’s dry side, there will be holes.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a malfunctioning water pump, you should let a mechanic check your vehicle as soon as possible.
To know more, you can also read our posts on E46 fuel filter symptoms, dirty transmission filter symptoms, and dirty cabin air filter symptoms.
Conclusion
The primary power source for Duramax’s coolant system is a water pump. If it becomes faulty, the engine won’t be able to run properly since the coolant won’t flow through it.
Generally, coolant leakage and an overheated engine are the two main indications of a faulty water pump. In addition, it may result in damaged pistons, broken cylinder heads, or total engine failure.
Therefore, it is essential to replace a faulty water pump as quickly as possible and pay close attention to any warning signals of a poor water pump.