1989 XJS convertible.
Has had little use recently hence ceased waterpump.
Question:
Can the waterpump be changed without removing the radiator?

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1989 XJS V12 (added by GGG)

 

Welcome to the forums BlueXJS,

I've moved this duplicate version of your Intro to XJS forum for advice from members with the same model.

Graham

 

How do you know that the water pump has ceased?

 

Hmm... To do it carefully, I wouldn't wanna... Once at it, removal of the rad in this job is actually not tough... If she sat long enough to have concerns about the pump you might wanna spin the rad around, turn it up and down,,, and give it a good old fashioned flush and fin cleaning anyways.

I would remove it and save some knuckle skin.

 

I agree.

If its sat long enough, probably with WATER in it, then the WHOLE cooling system needs a refresh.

SORRY, there are NO shortcuts with a V12.

Read the sticky at the top for an insight into the minefield if its NOT done 100%.

However, YES the pump can be removed with the rad insitu, GREAT care is needed, and the extra time taken to provide that care, would have the radiator out and in 3 times, makes no sense, even to me.

 

I'd pull the radiator...and while it's out send it to a radiator shop for pressure testing and professional cleaning.

At this point you're half way thru a full cooling overhaul so, unless your 100% sure such work has been recently done, now's the time. Hoses, belts, fan clutch, thermostats (correct thermostats, that is!), cleaning the small vapor pipes, flush, and proper bleeding of the system. Do it all, do it right, do it once.

(I suspect this ^^^^ is a repeat of what's recommended in the article Grant mentioned)

Cheers
DD

 

BIG +1 on the correct thermostats.... Wiggle pins UP....

One of the most common challenges for these cars is the coolant system... One of the first jobs I had to do,,, and there was/IS a string was the water pump (thanks Grant) and in doing this (x3 sad to say) I learned a great deal about the monster... X3 had to do with getting it so it wasn't dribbling. I wasnt careful ENOUGH in setting gasket and bolt in. Fiddly fiddly machines these are,,, and fine lines around the pump fitting...

 

there is a high loud squeek from that area when its running.
Also if I turn the waterpump for a few turns before starting then its fine until the next time I start it.

 

Hi Blue XJS

Maybe you have a loose Drive Belt or maybe it could be the fan Clutch?

The Drive Belt on my Car would always start squealing until it got warmed up but now its been adjusted doesn't do that anymore, though if you're still mulling it over now would be a very good time to make sure all the drive belt adjusters are free and the threads of these are coated with Copper Grease

As when I had a Fan Belt snap, that took out the CPS I was really, really glad that I'd done this