An engine water pump, or more simply an engine pump, is a device used to move liquid out of an engine as part of a cooling system. It is most often found in combustion engines, such as those used in automobiles or trucks. The most basic function of an engine water pump is to circulate water between the radiator and the engine in order to keep the engine at a suitable temperature. However, this same function may also be carried out by the radiator itself, in which case the engine water pump would only be a component of a larger cooling system. Most often, the radiator has a built-in pump which functions together with the engine water pump in supplying water to the engine. Why Do You Need An Engine Water Pump? An engine water pump is a necessary part of any engine cooling system. This is because liquid cooling allows the engine to operate at higher temperatures than would be possible with only air cooling. As a result, higher output is possible from the same engine, leading to a greater overall economy. This is why most engines are built with a liquid cooling system instead of just relying on air cooling. However, although greatly beneficial, liquid cooling can also be dangerous if not handled properly. The most vital function of an engine water pump is to prevent overheating by ensuring that no water is left in the radiator when it is shut off. Otherwise, the engine could overheat and potentially cause serious damage, or even damage to the engine itself. Types Of Engines That Use An Engine Water Pump While the majority of engines are built with a water pump, it is not uncommon for certain types of engines to be built without one. For example, many vintage engines use what is called a “dry-sump” oil system, which is not equipped with a water pump. Other types of engines, such as those used in racecars, are usually liquid cooled and do not require an engine water pump. This is because the limited amount of water that is used for cooling is not circulated around the engine but rather is directly channeled to the places where it is needed most. In these types of engines, overheating is not as severe of a problem as it is in other types of engines. However, it is still a problem that needs to be addressed. A separate water pump would not be needed in these types of engines because the radiator itself provides the necessary pumping function. In these types of engines, temperature is more of a problem than efficiency, which is why many of these engines are still produced today. Radiator Vs Engine Water Pump Circulation An engine water pump and the radiator that it circulates through are collectively known as the “cooling system” of an engine. The main difference between the two is that the engine water pump provides the driving force to move the liquid, whereas the radiator acts as a storage vessel which can eventually be refilled by the engine water pump . When the engine is turned on, the liquid in the radiator gradually starts to flow through to the rest of the cooling system and out to the place where it is needed. This is when the role of the engine water pump is initiated and it takes over the task of moving the liquid. During this process, the engine water pump and the radiator work together to circulate the liquid around the engine, and ultimately return it to its point of departure. Once the liquid has been returned to the radiator, the process starts over again. This continual loop ensures that the liquid is always kept at the correct temperature for the engine. Thus, the cooling system plays a crucial role in the efficient operation of the engine. Most often, the radiator is made up of several layers, with the core being the innermost component and surrounding it are the tubing and the casing. The core is where all the heat is transferred from the liquid, whereas the surrounding components only serve to protect the inner workings of the radiator. When the engine is turned on, the liquid in the radiator starts flowing through to the rest of the cooling system and eventually exits through some sort of a fitting at the base of the radiator. What Kind Of Engines Typically Use An Engine Water Pump? The vast majority of engines use a water pump. These are the engines that you will find in almost every part of the world. They are most often found in automobiles, boats, and trucks. The most basic form of a water pump can be found in any household; it is usually a centrifugal pump, which is simply because it is cheap and convenient to manufacture. The majority of the engines that you will find in use today are liquid cooled. This is because there is a direct correlation between the efficiency of an engine and the amount of liquid that is circulated through it. In addition to this, there is also the fact that liquid cooling can be managed effectively to meet the needs of the operator. As a general rule, more power means more efficiency and cooler temperatures mean greater output. This is why all engines are equipped with a water pump, even the ones used in older vehicles. These older engines do not have the sophisticated modern controls that are present in newer engines and may still have unprogrammed timer-based thermostats which can cause them to overheat if not properly managed by the user. Fun Facts About Engine Water Pumps The first use of an engine water pump was by the Italian automotive manufacturer, Giovanni Agnelli, in 1901. In that same year, he also created the very first closed-loop cooling system. This was a feat which would be repeated by other manufacturers, ensuring that engines became progressively smaller in size as the years went by. Another fun fact about engine water pumps is that they were originally called “radiator pumps”; however, this was changed in 1908, when the now-famous Studebaker company began using the term as a way of branding their product. Since then, the terms “radiator pump” and “engine water pump” have been used interchangeably by the automobile industry and its fans. Pro Tips For Proper Engine Water Pump Maintenance To ensure that your engine water pump continues to function at its peak condition, you must carry out certain regular maintenance procedures. It is always best to be on the safe side and ensure that your car's cooling system is always functioning at its optimum capacity. This is especially important if you are driving on a hot day and the car is already set up for automatic temperature control. In this case, if you ignore even the smallest of irregularities, you could end up with very serious problems. One of the most vital things that you must check regularly is the condition of your engine water pump itself. To do this, simply take out the plug which is located at the end of the pump and have a good look at it. If everything is ok, then you can replace it with a fresh one; if there is some sort of wear on the plug, then you will need to replace the entire pump. Remember to never turn off the engine while the water is still in the radiator. This is a very dangerous practice and can cause serious damage or even total engine failure. Common Errors Made By Those Not Familiar With Regularly Checking The Engine Water Pump If you are not used to checking your engine water pump on a regular basis, then it is a good idea to take a few minutes at the end of each day, or each week, to do so. It would be a shame to come back from work, only to find out that your engine has overheated, causing damage to either your car or to the environment. Before you know it, you could be facing major repairs or even the need to junk your old vehicle. For this reason, checking your engine water pump is very important and should be done as often as possible, even if this means performing the task manually, using a phone or a computer for guidance, or using a tool like a multimeter to learn the condition of your engine's vital components.
engine water pump
