Water pump test & posting ?

[Dads72]

Something sounds funny under the hood. Like a dry bearing in a pump maybe.
If I disconnect the belt and spin the water pump by hand will that tell me anything?
Also, when posting a new thread, the box for the message appears way down on the page. Is anyone else experiencing the same thing?
Thanks

[Billy G]

You might try removing the belt and cranking the engine. Run it for a very short term to prevent overheating....see if the noise disappears. That should either tell you water pump or alternator.
I'd think you should know almost right away.

Billy G

[71GMC_3/4T]

Like Billy says, take the belt off. Only I would try spinning the pump and the alternator first before starting it. It may become very obvious. If you have power steering, pull the belt and check that too if the water pump and alternator seem okay.
My water pump went out the other day. Sounded like a dry bearing squawking once in a while. Eventually lost all the balls out of the bearing, but she made it home without losing any water!
If you recycle your antifreeze, use a paint strainer and a funnel as you pour it back in. You may have to flush the paint strainer a few times to get the chunks out, but it works great.