Water pump-curious failure

[J20fan]

I was parking my Wag after work today when I heard an odd noise when I hit the throttle.
Shut it off and had a look, the water pump flange had separated from the shaft. Luckily the whole assembly was held in place by the belts so there was no other damage. Any one else ever see this failure? I was thinking of tack welding the flange back on the shaft but I am not sure if this will cause problems with balance. Any thoughts?

[RustyJeep]

I had that same problem on our Che*y shop truck. Was driving back from the parts store, and BAM! I thought I hit something in the road. But as I looked back, I saw little pieces of debris, and my steering went out. I pull over to find that the pump flange had seperated, ate up the serp. belt, sending and bending the fan through the radiator, shattering the shroud, cutting the upper radiator hose, and somehow it cracked the housing for the air pump. Luckily I was only 2 blocks from work, so I pulled the fan outta the radiator, and booked it back to the station.

I wouldn't try to weld it, as it does need to be balanced. You need a new pump.

[ November 29, 2001: Message edited by: RustyJeep ]

[SpruceMoose]

and you stand a good chance of screwing up the seal too.

[J20fan]

Well I will count myself lucky since it's only the pump I have to fix. I was trying to avoid replacing it in -19 degree weather. My garage is full of a Jimmy getting a diesel transplant so I'll be fixin in the alley. :( Thanks for the response.
Mike

[Cecil14]

Had to do the same thing last Nov. I started the day before it started to snow. smile.gif Take a tarp and drape it over the open hood. This will keep the wind and any rain/snow out and you can set up a space heater and/or a drop light. Worked real good last year.

Have fun!
Anthony

[jeepbob]

We were doing a carb tune on the race car when the pump shaft snapped and the fan took off just missing the 2 of us that were working on it. Fortunatly the motor was just idling at the time.

[DerJeep]

I was coming back from a deer hunt a couple years ago, cruising at highway speeds when I heard a horrible clunking and then a screeching sound. The whole vehicle began to shudder. I pulled over and saw that the fan was cocked to the side. The water pump had seized (bearings toast). Luckily the AAA card came in handy for the 30 mile tow back home. Real sad sight, Jeep piggy backing on the flatbed with a deer on the roof.