We all enjoy giving a small wheel a quick flick, especially if it’s on a water pump that’s fresh out of the box. Many mechanics instinctively check whether the impeller wheel really turns nice and easily. Here, Continential explains why you should resist this temptation! This “dry test“ can cause damage to the bearing and impeller, whose effects only become apparent following installation. For example, through water loss, noises or rising temperature.

Cause
Improper handling before or during assembly can impair electric water pump operation or cause damage.

Solution
The following guidelines should be followed whenever handing an electric water pump:

• Never turn or move the impeller and bearing by hand
• The water pump must never be put down on the impeller.
• The water pump should only be placed carefully down on the front face of the drive pulley.
• The pump may be noisy when dry, but when in operation the coolant will lubricate contact surfaces to eliminate noise.
• It is also important to make sure that the pump is placed flat against the engine before tightening the bolts.

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