Water pump supplier First Line is advising operators to treat pumps with respect when fitting them, because failure to do so can cause problems.
Engineers should use a small amount of silicone RTV when installing ‘face fit’ pumps, it says. Excess sealant may be squeezed out, and it could contaminate the cooling system.
Additionally, the cooling system should be flushed through prior to installation, and the amount of corrosion inhibitor should be checked, as should drive belt tension and drive alignment.