N52 New waterpump failure?

[StuMo72]

I recently changed my Electric Waterpump on my N52. Thew new Pierburg pump, has been in the car for 3 or 400 miles.
The other day I got the implauseable pump speed error code.
I reset it and I have done 50 or 60 miles in it since with no issue.

I was changing the sump gasket on the car anyway so I decided to check the waterpump. I drained the coolant, which was immaculate as you would expect being only 3 or 400 miles old. There are no apparent contaminates or debris etc.
When I try to turn the waterpump blades (its still in the car with the front hose off so access isnt the best) they feel too tight to turn. Tight enough I would be worried about the blades breaking if I forced it.

Anyone have any thoughts? Is the new pump knackered?

Any idea how should I proceed?

If it was a cheap part I would chuck another one in, but its not. But then I dont want to risk the engine either.

[hoki06]

I'm not sure if an electric pump impeller would spin freely or not. It would make sense that it would but I've never tried.

Is there a parts warranty on the new pump from where you purchased it? If there is, swap the new pump with another new pump and see what happens. If not, keep an eye on it and keep driving.

[StuMo72]

I've got the part off and I still have the old one. I suspected the old one was faulty because it is tight to turn, but the new one is even tighter.
So as you say I am not sure if its by design or not.

The supplying company are being a bit awkward although I do intend to return it but can't afford to wait. So I may end up buying another one to be safe.


I would really like to know if anyone else has ever been able to turn one by hand after it has been installed.

[StuMo72]

Just a quick update......

I ordered a new pump and its arrived and I am now convinced the other one was faulty from new. This one turns with virtually no resistance to my finger whereas the last one I remember I had to push quite hard to get it to turn, almost to the point where I was frightend I would break the blades (both compared as out the box).

hopefully it was just a freak out the box failure!

[GabeMG]

Originally Posted by StuMo72

Just a quick update......

I ordered a new pump and its arrived and I am now convinced the other one was faulty from new. This one turns with virtually no resistance to my finger whereas the last one I remember I had to push quite hard to get it to turn, almost to the point where I was frightend I would break the blades (both compared as out the box).

hopefully it was just a freak out the box failure!

Good catch OP! That could have been costly…
I just ordered that very waterpump from ECS. I'll make sure the impeller spins freely being installing

[rjahl]

Originally Posted by GabeMG

Good catch OP! That could have been costly…
I just ordered that very waterpump from ECS. I'll make sure the impeller spins freely being installing

Keep in mind that the pump seals should not be allows to dry out. Not shire if that was your problem, just remember the warning labels on mine.