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.

The water pump must be removed and the mounting surfaces cleaned. A new O-ring should be installed and sealant applied to the new gasket. The water pump is installed before tightening the bolts. Reverse the removal process to install it again, adjust belt tension, and fill in the coolant. At last start the engine to check if any leaks and adjust coolant level if necessary.