Water pump failed no warning engine fried
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
In my case the noise from the engine compartment was in no way lifter noise or piston slap, thank you. It was an absolute racket for the first few minutes of operation clearly coming from the front of the engine. Something was failing and it turned out to the the water pump. I don't know why the noise was reduced or gone at warmer temps but that was the deal.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
If this is directed to me, I have had the car less than two weeks. Got it from a family member. With the expense of the new pump it goes from a great deal to a good deal. So be it. In fairness, I have spoken to them this weekend and they offered to help out on the replacement cost but I said no. I will get it back over time in steak dinners and good cabernet, trust me. Money shouldn't come between family.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Fl
Out of the hundreds of thousands of Lexus' and Toyota (V6) sold how many have had to replace a water pump . Out of these failures how many were cause by lack of maintenance (failure to check water on a regular bases per the OM). How many failed water pumps resulted in a blown engine. My bet is this is an insignificant issue and it falls way outside the warranty window.
Any failure to check coolant levels was a dealership error. My car was impeccably maintained. yes it appears to be a significant issue!
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Fl
As I said before, they were very nice in the beginning. They paid to have my car towed to the Lexus dealership, and they told me to wait an answer after they will review the dealership's report. Next day, they called me and they decline any responsibility, any compensation. I went to the dealership to see the report, and they were very surprised, because they didn't send anything to Lexus!!! They were still working on the car.
I called again Lexus Customer Satisfaction
and they said to send a letter to NCDSUSA.ORG website, if I want to continue with my complaint against them.Those guys said also that they can't do anything because my car was out of warranty.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 56
From: NY
Sorry but I don't agree. The responsibility to check items listed in the owners manual belongs to the owner. Failure to do so results in maintenance and warranty issues.
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Advanced
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 545
Likes: 11
From: MA
That dealer will make a bank on your car...... 2K for low mileage good engine + 1K for labor to replace it and they have your car back on the road for 6K! they will turn around and sell it for 12,000-14,000$ making 6,000 to 8,000 $$$ profit on your car...
Dont over react next time, ask for advice especially before you commit to something you cant afford!!!
Dont over react next time, ask for advice especially before you commit to something you cant afford!!!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: SC
I would agree, but we have to think that there are people who are paying the dealership price, just for the peace of mind, or because they don't have mechanical aptitudes.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,986
Likes: 1,623
From: MI
So, I finally did it.
Replacing the water pump is the biggest PITA the world has ever seen. It took me 14 hours.
What I replaced? The water pump/thermostat/coolant/seals/tensioner/roller bearings.
The old pump was suprisingly good, no leaks, no noise. 70475 miles.
The coolant was in pretty good shape, clean and pink.
The bearings were bad. They should be replaced more often, like every 50000 miles.
The old thermostat was in a good shape, but when I tested both in hot water the new one opened really fast, and sooner than the old one. Seals were like new.
Now, the engineering. The pump is next to the frame. The distance between the pump and the chasis is maybe one inch.
The engineer that came with that idea is a moron. The guy who gave a green light is an idiot.
Replacing the water pump is the biggest PITA the world has ever seen. It took me 14 hours.
What I replaced? The water pump/thermostat/coolant/seals/tensioner/roller bearings.
The old pump was suprisingly good, no leaks, no noise. 70475 miles.
The coolant was in pretty good shape, clean and pink.
The bearings were bad. They should be replaced more often, like every 50000 miles.
The old thermostat was in a good shape, but when I tested both in hot water the new one opened really fast, and sooner than the old one. Seals were like new.
Now, the engineering. The pump is next to the frame. The distance between the pump and the chasis is maybe one inch.
The engineer that came with that idea is a moron. The guy who gave a green light is an idiot.
Last edited by ESh; Dec 2, 2015 at 05:51 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 4,986
Likes: 1,623
From: MI