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Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:28 am

Hi
I have a 1982 1.6 westy, it has developed a screech I can hear most in mornings and not at idle but just off idle under load then goes away after about 2500rpm (guess)
I'm guessing the water pump is on way out. I see rock auto has them for 25$
Is it worth the trouble to replace it myself? Meaning, it a simple R&r?

I do intend to source and put a 1.9td in but not ready yet....

Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:53 am

Check/adjust all your belts. A loose alt belt "tends" to squeal, but a bad water pump "tends" to leak...

- Dave

Fri Sep 22, 2017 11:18 am

Carefully watch the alternator light on the dash when you start the engine. If the squeal doesn't begin until the light turns off then it is probably a belt that is making the noise.

Mark

Docfranco wrote: Hi
I have a 1982 1.6 westy, it has developed a screech I can hear most in mornings and not at idle but just off idle under load then goes away after about 2500rpm (guess) .....

Fri Sep 22, 2017 12:06 pm

Try loosening the belt enough to be able to spin the pulleys on the H2O pump and alternator. They both should spin fairly easily with no rough spots in the rotation. That might allow you to determine if either are the source for your belt noises

Fri Sep 22, 2017 6:44 pm

Thank you. I think it’s the belt.
It’s loose, but there is only one, it appears the
Alternator is adjusted to the end of its range,
I could not find a belt size for the single belt
Arrangement..
Should I just take my belt in and get a few mm
Smaller??

Fri Sep 22, 2017 7:11 pm

All diesel Vanagons used a two-belt setup, though many previous owners believed they could simplify and 'improve' upon it by using a single longer belt. The problem is that this may not provide the proper belt tension and rotational speed for both water pump and alternator. The three pulleys aren't even in the same plane of alignment without some rather hinky modifications.

I suggest you source two new correct belts (plus a couple of spares); the belt specs and more info on the topic can be found here:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7301536

Good luck!

Fri Sep 22, 2017 7:43 pm

My timing belt tensioner made some screeching when it was on its way out, be careful.

Sat Sep 23, 2017 7:34 am

So upon closer examination the water pump only has one pilot
So it was modified from stock.
I may just get a smaller belt and see if the will charge and not
Screech

Sat Sep 23, 2017 8:43 am

Can you post a couple of pics of the belt side of the engine?