New water pump/advice

[gary1340]

Hi folks,
I own a 2006 roadster with 52,000 miles on the clock.
It has just been serviced and the mechanic has told me that the water pump is leaking, and needs to be replaced.
I presume that the coolant system will need to be drained and so I am wondering if it would make sense to change things like the radiator, thermostat etc at the same time bearing in mind the car is 11 years old.
Your thoughts???

[beavisrules]

the radiator on the 2 usually is pretty bad for corrosion so its worth checking. wouldn't touch thermostat if it works, can be a pain if it leaks
things also near it to check/change would be belt , idle pulleys or tensioner.
and of course spin up the a/c and alternator to make sure their bearings are good while you are there with the belt off.

[Joesson]

I got my 2002 2  in May 2011 and started a 3 year service contract with Mr T.I was not then a member of ROC!
02 June 2011 serviced by Mr T who referred to " a slight leak from water pump" 53703 miles
12 June 2012 during  a Mr T service the " Long Life " coolant was changed, no reference to leaking pump.55258 miles
08 May 2013  I replaced radiator. car had not been used since end of September.
Mr T explained that inspection of radiator condition, involving removal of covers is not included in service schedule!
02 June 2014 serviced by Mr T who referred to " a slight leak from water pump" 57283miles. No reference to oil leak from timing chain tensioner and I could see no sign of coolant leak. After an exchange of words and emails with Mr T ( Listers) I decided to service the 2 myself in future.
To date, no sign of leakage from water pump.

Based on my " experience" with the 2 I would suggest that your radiator will need replacement, as for the leaking water pump I suggest you check this for yourself. Coolant leakage from the pump should be visible on the engine block.
It certainly is visible if you use the special spectacles provided to Mr T mechanics.
Being a mere mortal with spectacles from Boots I cannot see this to date.

In answer to your question about draining the coolant. The OE coolant has a service life of 12 years. It is due for renewal next year. Only coolant above the pump should come out if you remove the pump. So a top up with ( Long Life) coolant would be all that is necessary.
But, if you decide to change the radiator ( I believe you will) then now would be a good time to change the coolant to give the new rad a better start in life.

[gary1340]

Thanks for the advice, a new radiator it will be! Does anyone have any recommendations for a new radiator??

[Carolyn]

Hi Gary,

Replacing an old radiator is never bad.  However, you might want to take a peek under your engine, specifically at the sump lip under the crankshaft pulley.  See if there are any drops of coolant on there.  If so - water pump is indeed leaking.

[Joesson]

Thanks for the advice, a new radiator it will be! Does anyone have any recommendations for a new radiator??

eBay, Coolpartsuk, £36.00
There' s a how to on here.