Noise from water pump

[ranzerbinz]

Hey guys! Was looking for some insight here. I own a 1985 Ford Ranger, 2.3L, fuel injected. I have a howling noise coming from the water pump/timing belt area. So, I replaced replaced the water pump, thinking it was the bearings. When I took it of, I notice rubbing marks on the cylinder wall. So I figured, sweet, that's the issue! So I replaced it with a new pump. While I was at it, I replaced timing belt and tensioner. Also replaced the Thermostat and housing, radiator hoses, and drive belt. Did everything to repair book specs. Tightened belts to book specs. Refilled cooling system with antifreeze. Started the engine and the stupid howle returned. It is still in that area. The antifreeze appears to be getting around the engine and heater coil, but the noise will not go away! Also tried spinning the water pump by hand. No noticeable issues, spins well and no noise from bearing. My stethoscope picks up the noise in that area when the engine is running. Not sure what else to do. Drive belt is not too tight or too loose. Could it be the coolant not getting around and causing the cylinder wall to expand up against the pump impeller? I noticed it is a very tight clearance there. Sounds stupid, but just a thought. Any insight as to the issue. I'm sure I am missing something. Thank you.

 

[tomw]

I have a similar model, and had to replace the belt tensioner(serpentine) as it got de-lubed when I washed the power steering fluid off the underside of the hood and the inner fender liner. It would chirp and squeak, and seemed to be 'jamming', so I finally found a replacement on Amazon. The part was NOT listed as usable on an 85 model, but it was a perfect fit.
The alternator bearings can also whine, and a power steering pump can whine too, changing sound as the load changes from steering wheel input.
Have you checked all the rotating parts with the serpentine belt removed? You might find one of them is rough turning, rather than smooth. If the sound remains with the serpentine removed, I'd be looking behind the timing belt cover for a possible timing belt tensioner failing. It is a sealed ball bearing unit, and will eventually start to make noise(long time..)
tom

 

[ranzerbinz]

It is just a bare-bones model. It only has a crankshaft pulley , water pump\fan pulley , and alternator. When I replaced the water pump, I noticed that the impeller was rubbing up against the jacket of the cylinder wall. Seems to be a clearance issue to me . Not sure why. I took the drive belt off, and spun everything by hand and there is no apparent rubbing or resistance. My stethoscope is picking up the noise and the water pump area again . I also rechecked the timing area including the new tensioner that I installed, no issues there . Wasn't sure if anyone else has run into this issue before. Thank you for your insight I do greatly appreciate it.

 

[tomw]

If you have rust on the cylinder wall, it may be too thick for a new impeller to clear it.

When iron rusts, the volume increases, making the clearance less. The example you may have locally is the breakup of concrete 'pillars' on bridge construction where the rusting re-bar has cracked the concrete and is making the bridge support crumble.
I would remove the pump one more time, and get a hammer and chisel to whack some of the rust off the cylinder wall.
If, OTOH, your cylinder has had zero corrosion, and the coolant had been maintained, then ??? Maybe try another brand of pump with a shallower impeller? Did they sell you the correct part? I have only had to replace my water pump about a year ago, and was proffered a new pump or the rebuilt I chose. The pump housing does not wear, so I chose the rebuilt with all new other parts except the housing. I didn't see the difference in price was worth much on a 31 year old truck.
I have had it since new, and have maintained the cooling system reasonably, I think. There was no rust on the cylinder walls.
tom

 

[ranzerbinz]

Hey, good question Tom. When I pull the pump out again I'll check it with the old one. It looked to be the same at first inspection, but who knows, it may be just that much off. Also, the cylinder jacket appeared to be in good condition. Coolant was in good shape. Only 31,000 miles on the truck, if you can believe it. I'll let you know. I'm going to pull it out this week. Thanks again for the info. Good insight.