Dakota 2WD L4-2.5L VIN P (2001)
Water Pump: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION
CAUTION: All 2.5L 4-cylinder engines are equipped with a reverse (counterclockwise) rotating water pump. REVERSE is stamped or imprinted on
the cover of the viscous fan drive and inner side of the fan. The letter R is stamped into the back of the water pump impeller. Engines from previous
model years, depending upon application, may have been equipped with a forward (clockwise) rotating water pump. Installation of the wrong water
pump or viscous fan drive will cause engine over heating.
This aluminum water pump is the heart of the cooling system. The water pump is located at the front of the cylinder block, above the timing chain
cover
The water pump impeller is pressed onto the rear of a shaft that rotates in bearings pressed into the housing. The housing has two small holes to allow
seepage to escape. The water pump seals are lubricated by the antifreeze in the coolant mixture. No additional lubrication is necessary.
OPERATION
A centrifugal water pump circulates coolant through the water jackets, passages, intake manifold, radiator core, cooling system hoses and heater core.
The pump is driven from the engine crankshaft by a single serpentine drive belt on all engines.