Honda 8-97167-554-0 Water Pump Assembly

Water pump failure can cause engine damage due to overheating. Check the pump's weep hole for leakage; gray discoloration is normal, but large brown stains suggest seal failure. If the seal fails, coolant leaks from the hole. Use an inspection mirror and flashlight to check the pump's underside. Black discoloration around the weep hole is normal, but brown residue or water dripping means the pump needs replacing. If the weep hole leaks, shaft bearing failure is imminent. Replace the pump immediately if this happens. If the shaft bearings fail, a howling sound may be heard from the engine. Bearing wear can be detected by rocking the water pump pulley. Don't confuse drive belt slippage, which causes a squealing sound, with water pump failure. Use belt dressing to rule out the belt as the noise source.