rust in water pump

Today I noticed anti freeze pooled under my y-block. I assumed a hose had cracked, but nope, the leak was coming from the water pump. I pulled the pump and found a lot of rust inside it. Not just surface rust..good sized grains of rust and crud. So, I'm guessing a new pump and radiator flush are in order. What else should I do/check while the pump and radiator are out of the car?

 

everytime i drain my radiator i get some rust that comes threw system.im sure they make an additive to help.i had a buddy with a car that approx 6 months he would clean his system so much rust looked like mud coming out.

 

I would have the radiator back flushed and flow tested.

While the pump is off, attach a garden hose to the heater hose outlet (on intake) and gently run water through the block (more force if you isolate the heater core). You most likely have a sludge buildup in the lower water jackets. Maybe a good time to replace expansion cups?

Maybe a drain and fill every season and a complete flush every two with quality coolant and distilled water?

 

When you flush the block, be sure to remove the block drains on both sides. Often you need to sick a wire or screw driver in to break up the crud. If you get it clean, a mixture of anti freeze and water will help to keep it clean.

 

Thanks for the replies. I've never had these issues with my aircooled VWs.

 

please let us know if you do .......

 

I've got a water pump and some muffler bearings for you if you need 'em.

 

I should have added a smilie to denote sarcasm. I did a home flush of the radiator today and did not see too much crud flow out. I expected hand fulls of rust.