Opinions please. My water pump is noisy. If was fitted before I got the car with a new timing belt. I've checked the parts and they appear to be correct for the vehicle. The belt seems too tight between the pump and camshaft sprocket. Can barely get it to turn 90 degrees, but the water pump is adjusted as far clockwise as it will go, I can't get it any slacker. Any ideas from anyone?

Its a long time since I fitted a new belt on a Mk2, but from memory, I seem to think that turning the pump body CLOCKWISE actually TIGHTENED the belt.

IF this is the case, you may have to remove the belt, turn the pump body to the 'slackest' position and re-set the timing as you put the belt back.

Once the pump has become noisy, merely slackening off the belt may not cure it and you COULD have to fit a new pump.

 

Regards

1 hour ago, caretakerplus said:

Its a long time since I fitted a new belt on a Mk2, but from memory, I seem to think that turning the pump body CLOCKWISE actually TIGHTENED the belt.

IF this is the case, you may have to remove the belt, turn the pump body to the 'slackest' position and re-set the timing as you put the belt back.

Once the pump has become noisy, merely slackening off the belt may not cure it and you COULD have to fit a new pump.

 

Regards

 

Haynes thinks it's anti clockwise to loosen, but seen a couple of threads saying Haynes is wrong. Hmmm.....

 

It wouldn't be the first time that Haynes have got it wrong. 😉

9 minutes ago, caretakerplus said:

It wouldn't be the first time that Haynes have got it wrong. 😉

 

Flipping 'ek, you were right (and Haynes was wrong). I've turned it Anti Clockwise and it's loosened it off and no longer signs to be at idle. Thanks for the help.

Although the belt adjustment is a simple idea, it does have a possible downfall, insomuch as IF the pump should seize, the belt is likely to snap or strip teeth.

That said, it is not common for pumps to seize - they are far more likely to leak or become noisy, but the possibility is always there.

I mention this as you said that your pump was noisy, so even if it has quietened down since you adjusted the belt tension, it would pay to keep an ear open for noise from it in the future and fit a new pump as soon as you hear it 'grumble' - Much cheaper than suffering the effects of a broken belt (bent valve stems etc.)

 

Regards