2015 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio Verde Guiletta water pump fail cost ?

[bcurko]

Hey guys,

Looks like my water pump has shit itself according to the mechanic, coolant reservoir was filled and then when I would stop the car after a drive it would look like I ran over someone..

Checked the hoses, resevoir but the issue seems to be the water pump.

Since I'm a novice when it comes to alfa's what's actually involved in the replacement because as of right now I've been told the following



$200-$300 for a genuine Alfa water pump from one of the melbourne stockists, Sydney didn't have any local stock + 4-5 hours labor (rough estimate) does the timing belt/chain have to be done at the same time?

Max otti in Leichardt quoted around $1100 all up but I would have to factor in the tow cost of $100-$300 from west to inner west so I went with my local.

Just want some input to know what to look out for and If I'm being taken for a ride..

[bazzbazz]

Ok, as the water pump is also one of the pulleys in the timing belt system you have to get the timing belt off and back on, so 5 hours is correct.

As for cost of Genuine water pumps they can be had from Arese Spares (Cromer NSW 2099) for under $95.

www.aresespares.com.au

How long ago was the timing belt changed? They are due every 4 years (Recommended for Australian conditions) so if its been more than a couple of years you may as well get the Belt & Tensioner changed. It should cost nothing in labor extra to do the belt as well, just the cost of the parts.

WARNING - Unless your local mech is familiar with Alfas/Fiats and DOES have the correct timing tools to set the cam timing I advise to take it to someone who is/does.

$1100 for a pump change ? I need to double my prices then . . . . . 

[bcurko]

Bazz,

Can you suggest anyone in Sydney ?

Feeling a bit uneasy and want to put a hold to the mechanic working on it since they’re Alfa specialists.

[Colin Edwards]

Had timing belt, tensioner and water pump replaced on our 2015 Giulietta QV recently as per Alfa's recommendation.  Not long after this the radiator sprung a leak - apparently this is not uncommon.  The way the coolant was splashed around, initially looked like new water pump had failed.  A simple pressure test and endoscope confirmed a dodgy radiator.  Worth a look? 

Definitely time to do a timing belt if the pump has failed.

[bcurko]

Correct me if I'm wrong but these are the parts I should be ordering:
https://www.aresespares.com.au/show/genuine-alfa-romeo-cam-belt-kit-71775896.html
https://www.aresespares.com.au/show/genuine-alfa-romeo-genuine-alfa-romeo-water-pump-60586222.html

Nothing else correct?

[bazzbazz]

Yes, that's them. Only other item needed is coolant.

Before you order them, find someone to do the job first, some places are not comfortable with using parts supplied by customers, chain of warranty and so forth.

[bcurko]

Yes, that's them. Only other item needed is coolant.

Before you order them, find someone to do the job first, some places are not comfortable with using parts supplied by customers, chain of warranty and so forth.

Spoke to Vlad from Arese and he suggested a mob in Rydalmere that have worked on his alfa's so i think I'll go with him, was also suggested to do the belts whilst the labor is being done so both timing belt/auxilllary since the car will be exposed.

Just need to find a tow company because I was told not to drive on it with the water pump failing due to the risk of damage with bearings?

[Citroënbender]

If the water pump is not yet making bearing noise, honestly you should be OK for a direct journey.



Leaking like this for twelve months, it’s European aftermarket less than three years old. No bearing noise yet.

[bazzbazz]

The problem is that yes, you could get there safely driving it, but as it is obviously on it way out it could also fail 100 yards out the driveway, or the usual place, in the middle of an intersection in peak hour!   

Go on, tempt the Gods . . . . . I DARE YOU!   

[Craig_m67]

If it fails, the issue will be larger than some bearings

There’s a PDF somewhere of an Giulietta QV owner who caught his belt trying to shred itself, minutes after he realised the waterpump was no longer pumping and the car was about to overheat.

1. Pump bearing fails
2. Impeller breaks.. car starts to overheat
3. Pump wheel/cog shifts off axis (failed bearing)
4. Cam belt moves off axis and starts to shred itself on motor, mounts, anything
5. Belt breaks
6. Cams stop spinning
7. Valves stop moving in sync with pistons
8. Pistons “interfere” with valves bending them
9. If there’s enough force it’s trasmitted down the piston/rod to the crank and a big end bearing can also be ruined
10. An expensive complete engine rebuild ensues in minutes, instead of just getting it towed


Get it towed
Make sure all the idlers are changed during the cambelt change and that your mech has the correct cam locks.
Your vacuum pump may leak oil after, if it’s done properly.. white smoke will ensue.
Get them to check they refit it correctly



To be honest I didn’t understand the diagnosis that led you/others to believe the pump has shat itself.. what’s actually happening again ?

[Australia]

Last year the water pump on  my SUV threw a bearing. This resulted in the relevant  belt coming off, which meant the pump stopped turning which meant the temperature was skyrocking up. And thete was no power steering.  Wirh plenty of stops I slowly managed to drive home. It was tough turning the wheel though. Got the car flat trayed to the dealer ( thank you prenium RACV membership).  Cost to fix $1000. Got the belt replaced at the same time as it was like 150, 000kms.

[kaleuclint]

If you are changing timing belt, tensioners and water pump, also make sure you get a metal impeller fitted.  Another thing to factor in is the plastic cover over the belts; they become brittle and disintegrate.  Might be worth adding given the sunk labour charge?

The good news is that with all this done you should be right for the next 4-5 years.

[lombardi]

Amico go directly to Stam At Alpha gamma service , he will come to u,  phone 0450912028 , i have mentioned my recommendation previously on this forum .  I was so fed up of being ripped off by so called specialists in syd was ready to give up on alfa ownership till i found Stam ,  newly arrived from Italy , speak slowly his english is not thge best but makes up for his workmanship and honesty..

[bcurko]

Sorry guys, its been a less then ideal week, this is the video I managed to record before I left it at the mechanics to get sorted


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8a3M9ooOQU&feature=youtu.be

[Craig_m67]

..... And I thought my high pressure fuel pump was loud (the ticking noise), crikey!