W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

IC/Water Pump commit suicide?

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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 05:26 PM
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IC/Water Pump commit suicide?

Well, I’ve got a couple things going on. First being a self-fulfilling prophecy for my coolant level. My low coolant warning has been coming on for about 6 months. The level has been fine so I figured I would replace the sensor when I replace my IC pump or drain my coolant. Today I pop the hood for an oil change and my level is abysmally low suddenly.

Second, I’ve got some serious metal shavings in the reservoir. Not sure if one of the pumps gave out but certainly that’s the only place shavings could be coming from? Just finished some expensive front end rebuilding, and my temps have been fine even in 100°+ in south TX, AND found out my wife and I are expecting number 2, so it may have to wait until it’s catastrophic, or until I have more time in a month or two. Anyone ever seen this in our cars?
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 06:20 PM
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What was the front end rebuild? Was the water pump replaced? If the bearing was going the impeller would definitely depart some shavings.
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by tw2
What was the front end rebuild? Was the water pump replaced? If the bearing was going the impeller would definitely depart some shavings.
Sorry, I should have clarified. I meant front end as in, the suspension components. Motor hasn’t been touched. 89k miles.
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 06:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Jake528
Sorry, I should have clarified. I meant front end as in, the suspension components. Motor hasn’t been touched. 89k miles.
I would take both belts off, remove the 4 bolt water pump pulley and have a feel of the bearing for play and smoothness.
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 06:35 PM
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Originally Posted by tw2
I would take both belts off, remove the 4 bolt water pump pulley and have a feel of the bearing for play and smoothness.
Will do. Consensus on coolant other than MB? Older thread I saw people were saying it’s essentially just Zerex G05.
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 06:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Jake528
Will do. Consensus on coolant other than MB? Older thread I saw people were saying it’s essentially just Zerex G05.
Correct. I have only used MB coolant as there isn't much else available here and it isn't too expensive... well you don't need much anyway when diluted down.
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by tw2
Correct. I have only used MB coolant as there isn't much else available here and it isn't too expensive... well you don't need much anyway when diluted down.
Awesome. I’ll probably be topping off coolant and break everything down in the coming weeks when I have time and I’ll see what’s up.
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 07:33 PM
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I personally wouldn't top up or even drive the car until I diagnosed what the issue was. That could lead to a pretty bad time.
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Old Sep 8, 2019 | 04:00 PM
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Unfortunately, life doesn’t stop when your car does. I took tension off the serpentine belt and spun the water pump pulley - it felt fine. The shavings I had seemed to also contain some blue plastic bits. Not sure what the cause could be but I removed the reservoir and washed it out so I can monitor how if more shavings appear in the coming days. Refilled 50/50 coolant and distilled water and will see what the week holds for it.
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Old Sep 8, 2019 | 04:55 PM
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Originally Posted by Jake528
Unfortunately, life doesn’t stop when your car does. I took tension off the serpentine belt and spun the water pump pulley - it felt fine. The shavings I had seemed to also contain some blue plastic bits. Not sure what the cause could be but I removed the reservoir and washed it out so I can monitor how if more shavings appear in the coming days. Refilled 50/50 coolant and distilled water and will see what the week holds for it.
These cars tend to be very reliable but running with a major coolant leak and a severly worn water pump can destroy your engine in 1 trip. Instead of being on the hook for $500 you'll be on the hook for $5000. This isn't even maintenance, this is about repairing a critical system before a cascading failure will occur. Your car already showed warning signs, don't wait for failure.
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Old Sep 8, 2019 | 06:19 PM
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Originally Posted by Fantomas
These cars tend to be very reliable but running with a major coolant leak and a severly worn water pump can destroy your engine in 1 trip. Instead of being on the hook for $500 you'll be on the hook for $5000. This isn't even maintenance, this is about repairing a critical system before a cascading failure will occur. Your car already showed warning signs, don't wait for failure.
I’m counting on getting through the week. I’ll be waiting for a pump to get in and will hopefully replace Saturday. It is what it is. I’ve got 16 miles to and from work. If I check the level at my office and home, it’ll be fine. Yes of course a major failure could occur which would possibly overheat the motor and seize if I didn’t shut it down and pull over right away, but it’s a chance I’ll have to take.
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Old Sep 10, 2019 | 10:17 PM
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Well I replaced it. Smallest amount of play in the bearing of the pump, but I’m guessing it was an early signal. Running great!
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