T4 TDi.........wasserpump?

[Seano]

Evening!

I've got a T4 with the 2.5TDi. It's a 2001 model and has done 85,000km. I had the timing belt changed at 60,000km and am resigned to repeating this every 60K to avoid catastrophic failure (which has happened to me in another diesel marque).

However, I've heard recently that the water pump (or part thereof) MUST be changed over at 120,000km......anyone got the good oil on this?

[syncro]

Probably would not be hard to do at the same time as the belt.

[gtimk5]

Good to do the pump when doing the belt, not every 60,000 tho. Runs off the cambelt so why not. Crank seal is also a good idea too.
Preventative maintenance like the cambelt

[imported_brackie]

Firstly, welcome to our forum. Great to have anoother dieselophile aboard
Yes, 60,000km is a bit early for a cambelt change. I do mine @ 80k, but I can understand how you must feel having has one break on you As for the waterpump...yes, if you've got the belt off it would be the way to go. I guess really what you'e asking is, "Do I change belt and pump @ 120k?" Is this one of the "plastic impeller" types? Is so, definitely replace it at your next change of belt! I think also that Andrew's suggestion of changing the crank seal is good advice too.

[gtimk5]

Yeah, sorry Seano, a big welcome mate. The pumps on the T4s have a cast impeller, not plastic like a Mk5 Golf but the seal can leak in time. Yes, I would definately do it next change of belt. Cheers mate!

[Seano]

Thanks for the welcome....

I acknowledge 60K could be early for a belt change but no VW dealer or tech could give me a definitive answer at the time.....60k, 80K or 120K were most popular but given my past experience I figure caution is good.

I just wish I'd known prior to purchase (I will never purchase a new car again without asking the service costs out to 150,000km) about the short lifespan of the belt

To clear things up (or perhaps complicate them) in terms of the impeller type, my engine is an ACV type 2.5TDi.

So what is it we have to replace? The impeller or the crank seal...or both?

Other that she's all good!

[imported_brackie]

Most manufacturers recommend changing the belt @ 80k. As long as the belt hasn't been contaminated by oil or diesel we all know that it would last a lot longer than that! However, it ain't worth the risk. It's not a huge job to do yourself (although I've never changed on in a van) however if the warranty period isn't up you must have it done by a recognised workshop. Changing the water pump (you can't just replace the impeller....the days of repairable water pumps are long gone....) is up to you. Again, their useful life is much greater than 80k as is the crankshaft seal's, however while you've got the thing apart it's insurance.