Recently I had timing belt replaced in one of independent shop,
since my RX300 had been 12 yr, there is no leakage in my old water pump, for
precaution sake, I ask the mechanics to replace water pump also.

After all jobs done, one thing puzzle me, there is no coolant need to be added.
Would appreciate for the answers:

1. How much coolant will lost during water pump replacement.

2. Should I change the coolant immediately, or keep it until next recommended schedule maintenance

 

Never did a waterpump on a RX before but your mechanic may have saved the drained coolant and reused it.

If the mechanic did not reuse the old fluid and mixed in some different type then I would do a complete drain and fill. Better to ask what was done and exactly what type of fluid was used.

 

As I checked the drain petcock and two other drains I did not see any sign of drains.
The space between water pump is very narrow, I doubt he is able to collect the coolant thru that space, unless he use the pump to suck the coolant thru where the radiator cap located, so I will rule out the theory of reuse the old fluid.

Any other comments.




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To change a water pump the coolant must have been drained, usually from the radiator petcock and caught in some type of catchment. Also the the radiator hose needs to be removed from the water pump which would also drain most of your coolant out. Nobody would try and suck out the coolant from the top of the radiator.

 

My petcock still intact with a layer of dirt, I am pretty sure that was not been touched.
So I have the first question, or I been riipped by the shop.





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Not really sure what you mean. If it's about "1. How much coolant will lost during water pump replacement." Then the answer is very little. That's if the drained coolant was reused. Whatever was actually lost could have been replaced by distilled water.

 

Thank you to clear my doubt, because the water pump is not visible behind the timing belt cover, it is difficult to check the work done other than take out the cover.







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LoL.... just took a look at my car and the lower radiator hose doesn't connect to the water pump, my bad. The mechanic must've drained the radiator thru the petcock if at all. Don't think he drained from the block (more difficult and much slower).

If he did pull a scam it would be difficult to tell other than to check the part itself like you suggested. I don't think checking the dirt/grease on the petcock is definitive enough to really be sure especially if not done right away. He could've just replaced the pump without draining the radiator (not likely, really messy) and topped off with water. Might want to check with your local BBB to see if any similar complaints against the shop.

 

You don't need to drain coolant out of the pet **** to do a waterpump.

Some techs just let the coolant flow out of the waterpump as they take it off.
Yes it's messy but just pour some water around it let the motor warm up and Wallahh---clean as a whistle.
Ohhh...Brake cleaner makes an excellent cleaner also.

If still in doubt. Have another shop double check the work.

 

You should be able to pull about 3 bolts out of the TB cover and pry it back far enough to get a look at the WP (albeit not a good one) to see if it has been replaced. Might have to use a mirror on a shaft to see down in to the bottom of it to better see if it has been replaced. It is doable.

 

Thank you for the instruction.
I did as you stated, I saw the water pump I bought thru Ebay with a milled mark under Aisin. The mechanics had truthfully put up the water pump.

I will assume the coolant lost is very minimum, or he tops with water.





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Glad it turned out the way it did. I spent my life in automotive work and have ZERO tolerance for dishonest mechanics.