My water pump went out. I had a new water pump put on my accord a year and a month ago. Since then have driven 5-6,000 miles in a small city town. Does this makes sense. Could it be a cheaper water pump was put on my car and it went out. The person who worked on it is a mechanic who does a bunch of cars on the side. Last time he worked on my brakes, I had to bring it back because he put cheap ones on.Can I call this guy back? What could I say?
usually 7-10 years so at 5000 miles take it back
Unfortunately most water pumps,even new ones, are warrantied for one year so while you may have to pay for another one I'd be sure whoever I paid for the labor was a different mechanic. Even new pumps can go bad prematurely but a reputable shop would probably make some allowances since its so close to the warranty limits. The other advice given about the coolant is spot on too. It should have been refreshed at the time the pump went in but just because it should have, doesn't mean it was.
Short answer: At least 75,000 miles, even under extreme conditions. The main cause of water pump failure is bearing failure due to crud (mostly rust) mixed in with the water/coolant mixture pushed through your engine by the pump. Variables: If you did not have complete cooling system flush at the last pump's replacement, the new pump's life expectancy would be reduced, but not significantly. Many folks misdiagnose engine overheating and the appearance of coolant on their garage floor as pump failure. If we believe Click and Clack the Tappit Brothers (a.k.a. Tom and Ray Magliozzi) you did not actually get a new water pump a year and a day ago, but you did buy a tank of gas for the mechanic's ski boat. Take your car to a reputable mechanic's shop (referred by a happy customer or 6, or Angie's List), dress as a peasant and tell 'em the car was inherited by you after your parents died in a horrible fire. Bringing 4 screaming infants couldn't hurt, either. If you can't rent some kids, you may consider what many women do, but it involves removing any rings, wearing a low cut top, smiling a lot and repeatedly flicking your eye lids as you play with your hair...
