Durango 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
Water Pump: Description and Operation
Reverse Rotating Water Pump - Typical
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 drive belt.
The water pump impeller is pressed onto the rear of a shaft that rotates in a bearing pressed into the water pump body. The body has a small hole for
ventilation. The water pump seals are lubricated by antifreeze in the coolant mixture. Additional lubrication is not necessary.
A quick test to determine if pump is working is to check if heater warms properly. A defective water pump will not be able to circulate heated coolant
through the long heater hose to the heater core.
The water pump is bolted directly to the engine timing case/cover. A gasket is used as a seal between the water pump and timing chain case/cover.
