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Water Pump Pulley Melted?


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I just bought a 1994 Seville SLS for cheap money ($400) but there are a few minor (word choice is still in the air) problems. I have posted a few but the one that I have no idea about is the conditon of the waterpump pulley that runs of the crank. First two sentences of history. The previous owner blew a heater core and kinda put everything together. I have an alternator that is not charging and a heater motor that when plugged in will not shut off, ever. The car seems to run great otherwise when I put a charged battery in it. The water pump pulley grooves have been completly melted down. The profile of the pulley is like an L with the side closer to the engine still having a raised wall. the tensioner shows signs of doing the same thing but it is is slightly better shape.

The belt I cut out was intact but damaged. I can turn the waterpump with a screwdriver so it doesnt seem to be seized. I had a 1995 Aurora that went 200,000 miles with no fatigue on the pulley or tensioner so I assume that this is not normal.

:huh: Could this be related to a blown heater core?

:huh: If the core clogged would it put extra stress on the camshaft pulley via the pump until the belt heated up and kinda melted?

:huh: I am going to replace the belt and watch it run a bit and see if there is still any pressure with the new heater core installed.

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No I dont believe a melted belt is related to the heater core, its not related.

Check the idler pulley on the tensioner too, its either the water pump binding for some reason or the tensioner pulley or the tensioner binding and allowing the belt to slip creating heat.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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When you say you can turn the waterpump with a screwdriver.... do you NEED a screwdriver for leverage? b/c it should turn quite freely with just easy hand pressure.

I recently replaced an OEM waterpump w/ 155k mi, and it still turned. But I was amazed at how much easier new-in-box one turned compared to the old one. While the bearings on the old one weren't totally gone, you could tell they were on their way.

Also, check the spring loading on the tensioner. If you put a 1/4" drive ratchet into the notch on the tensioner and swing it back, does it bouce/rebound? Or does it kind of stick? It should rebound quite forcefully. If it kind of stays in place where you put it, then you either need to clean/grease it or get a new tensioner.

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....

The belt I cut out was intact but damaged. I can turn the waterpump with a screwdriver so it doesnt seem to be seized. ....

You should be able to rotate the pump cartridge pulley without using a tool.

Jim

Drive your car.

Use your cell phone.

CHOOSE ONE !

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....

The belt I cut out was intact but damaged. I can turn the waterpump with a screwdriver so it doesnt seem to be seized. ....

You should be able to rotate the pump cartridge pulley without using a tool.

Very good catch Jim, it should turn freely by hand. You can see a didn't do good on the reading comprehension part of the SATs :P

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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....

The belt I cut out was intact but damaged. I can turn the waterpump with a screwdriver so it doesnt seem to be seized. ....

You should be able to rotate the pump cartridge pulley without using a tool.

Very good catch Jim, it should turn freely by hand. You can see a didn't do good on the reading comprehension part of the SATs :P

I am going to replace the Camshaft Pulley and tensioner this weekend when I can pull from junkyard. I used a screwdriver for lack of access but I have a new waterpump I never ended up needing for my 95 4.0 N* Aurora. I will check part numbers but I think it should fit. Tonight I will snake the belt on the pump and see it it rotates freely. Once I have the alternator is done I will make that my next project anyway.

Thanks for the quick replies.

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