93 Taurus Overheating Problem - Timing belt?

[MrTaurus]

Hello. Thanks for helping me out. I have a 93 Taurus 3.0 with 115k miles and it is overheating. I am not a very mechanically able person and that is why I am seeking help. The car does have coolant in it and it is not leaking. Originally I thought it might be the thermostat but when the engine turns over there is a rattling/belt broken loose noise coming from the left side of the engine near the alternator. None of the visible belts are broken or loose though.

While I was tring to diagnose the problem a gentleman walked by, heard the noise and told me that my timing belt was broken, and therefore it took out my water pump. Does this sound like the problem? I thought if the timing belt went bad that the entire car would be affected (tranny, engine might not even start, etc.)

Any help would be greatly appreciated....

Paul~

[hughw]

If your timing belt was broken, the car would not be running....and that would not cause a heating problem...car just would not run...The noise could be coming from the water pump....I dont have first hand experiance with tauras water pumps..so I won't attempt to advise any more on that....When car is overheating with no leaks...it is most likely the thermostat....Hopefully you can get more input about the noise.

[MrTaurus]

Howdy and thank you for your reply. I originally also thought it might be the thermostat, although I have purchased a new one I have not installed it. What about the noise? If it was only the thermostat, would there still be the rattling/broken belt sounding noise? I did do a little further investigation and noticed that the gear attached to the water pump was wiggling. So now I think that it is probably the water pump. Any ideas or suggestions?

Paul~

[mlw35405]

Yep, what you describe sounds like a bad water pump bearing. The water pumps on the 3.0 are not run by a timing belt. As a matter of fact, the 3.0 does not even HAVE a timing belt, rather a timing chain that usually does not wear out and is not related in any way to the water pump. Replace the water pump and thermostat (parts will run around 50 bucks) and you should be on your way.

[hughw]

Originally Posted by MrTaurus

Howdy and thank you for your reply. I originally also thought it might be the thermostat, although I have purchased a new one I have not installed it. What about the noise? If it was only the thermostat, would there still be the rattling/broken belt sounding noise? I did do a little further investigation and noticed that the gear attached to the water pump was wiggling. So now I think that it is probably the water pump. Any ideas or suggestions?

Paul~

I looked at the water pump replacement in my Haynes manuel...and it is as simple as any and simpler than most....Gasket scraper and ratchet in hand should make a fairly easy job. (I would have expected a leak from the water pump if the shaft is loose...eventually it will start leaking)
Have fun.

[vampiro03]

are you sure the noise isn't coming from your exhaust? the flex pipe when cracked makes a noise a lot like your describing.

[Ironmike215]

I also have a 93 taurus with the 3.0 in it, and I have noticed a few things with mine. one being that the damn thing went through 2 sepentine belts in about 5 months (which was probably due to the tensioner being screwed), the second being that the water pump on that thing does not look like a very fun job to do. Here's what was up with mine: I had a similar problem with the thing getting pretty hot, which living in florida i am sure is part of the equation since it gets hot as hell down here this time of the year. On its most recent trip to the shop, I had the auto-tensioner for the serpentine belt replaced and it seemed to fix the problem, but as of a few weeks ago, that fix was only temporary as the thing is getting hotter than normal, and with a 114k a water pump/thermostat sounds about right for me. anyways, I would be interested in hearing how you made out with the water pump. also I would have to agree with vampiro, a cracked flex pipe does make that sound, i know, i have one, and it is probably related to my heat problem, however mine also exhibits symptoms of the thermostat sticking. oh well...such is life, good luck with the pump.