How does a Water Pump Work
Understandinghow a water pump worksis learning how the principles of centrifugal forces are used to prevent a car’s engine from self-destruction. As part of the cooling system, the water pump is in charge of moving coolant out of the radiator and into the engine to keep it working at the proper temperature, and removing coolant out of the engine and into the radiator where heat can be removed. However, the way this simple device accomplishes this task is a matter of physics. Moreover, the secret lies in the center of this component.Water pump main componentsThe water pump is about the half the size of an alternator, weights about 20 Oz (567 gm), and comes in different configurations to suit different vehicle’s makes and models. Yet, all vehicle water pumps share the same main components. It comes equipped with an impeller disc-the heart of the pump-fitted with fan-like blades to produce pressure and flow in the cooling system. On the other side of this impeller is a pulley, and hub provides a mounting place for both the impeller and the pulley. A shaft runs through the pump to transfer turning force from the hub to the impeller. A bearing allows the shaft to turn freely inside the pump. Finally, all these components are housed inside the water pump body, which keeps them isolated from outside elements, contamination and leaks.Water pump locationUsually, a water pump is located around the front of the engine. Depending on a vehicle’s make and model, the pump may fit right behind the radiator fan, or to one side of the engine. It is common for the enginecrankshaftpulley to run the water pump through a belt. However, some water pumps come equipped with gears that mesh with another set of gears mounted on the crankshaft itself for operation.How the water pump worksAs the engine starts to run, the crankshaft makes the water pump spin using a belt or set of gears. This turning force is transferred through the shaft and impeller inside the pump. At this point, the fast rotating impeller begins to throw coolant-located between the impeller’s blades-in an outward direction. At the same time, thiscentrifugal forcecreates a vacuum in the center of the water pump housing and pressure builds up towards the outside of the pump.The lower radiator hose, connected to the water pump through a fitting near the center of the water pump housing, allows coolant to enter the water pump during operation as the impeller evacuates coolant in the center of the housing. Pressurized coolant, at the same time, is forced through the pump’s outlet and into the engine, forcing it to flow through the engine block, around cylinder waterways, into the cylinder head and heater core near the passenger side of the vehicle. Once the thermostat-connected to the upper radiator hose-begins to open, the coolant is forced through the radiator hose and into the radiator. This pushes low temperature coolant in the radiator through the lower radiator hose and water pump, and back into the engine. The thermostat closes and a new cycle begins.Thus, the water pump performs one of the most important jobs in the cooling system. But to do its job, the water pump needs adequate maintenance, just like any other part in the vehicle. This maintenance can be accomplished by maintaining the right coolant level in the system. Coolant helps lubricate and extend the life of key components inside the water pump. In turn, this helps the engine work at its proper temperature and extend its service life as well.
