Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting 2.5L Water pump failures

My first water pump went at about 40K miles. The replacement died three days later (this second failure was more normal, resulting in a leak at the pump).

The dealer assures me that no other damage was done, but the engine got hot enough to melt the oil filler cap. Since then, I've had a series of little engine problems, such as the speed sensor failing, the battery failing, and now I appear to have an alternator problem, and I've just hit 50K miles. They claim that each problem is unrelated to the overheating problem, so each costs me the $100 ESP deductable. My extended warranty expires in another 10K miles, and I'm seriously considering passing the car on before that point!

I'm hesitant about giving out my VIN on here too, but I'm definitely "in" if you need another person. Email me at tim935@yahoo.com to get my details.

My original Ford pump went out in January at 98k miles with a cracked impellar, and I've subsequently replaced 2 other Napa WPs since then. The lastest (#4!) has lasted about 10k miles and 3 months. Geez....

ME TOO.. FLACOMAN90@HOTMAIL.COM
71000 MILES ON MY E0 SVT

Count me in please.
My car is 95 Coutour(GL) V6 for
62,000 miles.
My VIN: 1FALP65L1SK210294

The 'mickey mouse' belt tensioner is one of the causes of overheating, which I believe leads to water pump and engine failure. It often sticks in one position rather than adjusting properly. I luckily caught this ehen changing to Dexcool antifreeze. I now check this every 10k or so. I also use Tufoil in the engine (check their web site) - the engine does run cooler. When the antifreeze was changed, the engine temp went to the end of the 'normal' range, but did not overheat! It reduces friction (and heat) to the extent my heater 'doesn't' work in my Aerostar incold weather without partially blocking the rad.

Count me in if you need the vin contact me at Goldenrose30a@hotmail.com. Just to let everyone know, when mine went at 83,000 I contacted Ford and they called my Hubby at work and told him that there was nothing wrong with the design or manufacturing of the water pump and they WOULD NOT even consider paying for any part of the bill. I have filed a report with NHTSB. Let's see what happens with that. My hubby is a Chevy man and I fought tooth and nail to get him to agree to buy this car now I wish I would have bought another Cavalier!!

98.5 svt, water pump out at 45,000 miles.

95 Mercury Mistake
WP failure at 98K

Fortunately for me I heard a little sqeak from the WP drive belt when the impeller disintegrated, so I immediately looked at the dash and noticed the temp heading to the red in record fashion. Otherwise, I KNOW I would have toasted the engine.

Still have parts of the impeller at my desk at work.

Impeller was analyzed by the staff where I work (these are pretty smart engineering types) and our best guess is that the impeller is NOT plastic, but rather it is cardboard impregnated with plastic!

Dumb-arse design, if you ask me.

Rob

Engine did NOT self destruct ... at least so far ... but water pump went without warning at about 106K .... temp gauge pinned. VIN # 1falp67lotk149745

I think we just had a water pump failure. Symptoms are the same as described in previous posts.

The garage said the WP belt was off, and it was glazed, and that this could be the problem.

They are still checking, but now I'm concerned the extended waranty company will use the 'glazed' belt to get off the hook for repairs. (ie it should have been changed)

Does anyone know for sure if the Water Pump belt is on fords routine maint. schedule.

I didn't even know it was there!

I didn't get any manuals with this car (Used), so if someone can check ... I'd appreciate it.

Wes Smith
98 Merc Mystique
V6/Manual
134000 kms (80000 miles)