could it be a bad water pump?

Asked by kristi1979 Sep 17, 2016 at 01:45 AM about the 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

i have a 01 chevy cavalier and recently replaced the thermostat cause it started running 2 marks above 195... it ran fine all week without overheating. tonight, it ran warm and the low fluid light came on and when the car cooled off, i took the cap off the jug, and it was empty. so i filled it back up and drove it home... if the pump is bad wil the jug be empty?

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Mikbek answered 8 years ago

Only if pump is leaking. Any fluid dripping when running? If not check oil to see if water leaking into engine, oil will look creamy.

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enginecreator answered 8 years ago

The pump can be bad without leaking. Most times a pump will leak if bad unless its the impeller. You will see coolant leaking if this is the case now that you know about it. I would check all other possible places for leaks too, it may not be the pump. Have seen any leaking? Also Have you noticed a antifreeze smell or a sweet smell around the car? Check you oil, does it look milky? Is there steam or white smoke coming from the tail pipe? Check for leaks around the thermostat. Is leaking somewhere somehow. Locate the leak. Hate to say it but you can not rule out a head gasket even if this was not the leak now that it ran warm or almost hot it could warp the head and blow a gasket.

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