Intrepid V6-201 3.3L VIN T SFI (1997)
Water Pump: Testing and Inspection
NOTE: It is normal for the water pump to weep a small amount of coolant from the weep hole (black stain on water pump body). Do not replace the
water pump if this condition exists. Replace the water pump if a heavy deposit or a steady flow of green/brown engine coolant is evident on water pump
body from the weep hole (shaft seal failure). Be sure to perform a thorough analysis before replacing water pump.
FLOW CHECK
A quick test to tell whether or not the pump is working is to see if the heater warms properly. A defective pump will not be able to circulate heated
coolant through the long heater hose. The water pump on all models can be replaced without discharging the air conditioning system.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Replace the water pump if it has any of the following defects.
1. Damage or cracks on the pump body.
2. Coolant leaks; if the seal is leaking, this will be evident by traces of thick deposits of greenish-brown dried glycol running down the pump
body and components below. A thin black stain below pump weep hole is considered normal operation.
3. Impeller rubs inside of chain case cover.
4. Excessively loose or rough turning bearing.