Water Pump Lubricant

[adreed24]

I had heard once that all anti-freeze/coolants contain water pump lubricant.

Is this true?

If not, I was wondering who makes the best water pump lubricant? This would be for a vehicle that takes standard, old-fashioned, antifreeze/coolant, not any of the "extended service" stuff.

Two years ago, I replaced the radiator, water pump, and thermostat. The engine has about 220,000 miles on it.

I saw that Prestone makes one with graphite.

Any ideas?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Quest]

poppycock! There's never a need for lubricant for water pump! A glycol-based antifreeze would have enough lubricating qualities to lubricate a seal to keep it running properly.

However, if your water pump is a rebuilt version I would strongly suspect that your water pump is of suspect.

 

[jorton]

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Originally posted by Quest:
poppycock! There's never a need for lubricant for water pump! A glycol-based antifreeze would have enough lubricating qualities to lubricate a seal to keep it running properly.

However, if your water pump is a rebuilt version I would strongly suspect that your water pump is of suspect.

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Are you saying coolant in itself is the lubricant and there is no additive?

Is house brand coolant the same as name brand?

 

[brianl703]

Not a lubricant, but as far as water pump seals go GM says that their seal tabs (which are the same thing as Bar's Leaks powder in the tube) clean silicates off the waterpump seals.

 

[vizvo]

Here are some quotes referencing the use of water pump lubricant.

http://www.jensenhealey.com/tech/s_arch-waterpump.html :

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Some good tips to keep that pump working for a long time: Use a 50/50 mix of quality coolant and distilled water, use a can of Prestone Water Pump Lubricant (or similar product) to help keep seals in good shape . . .

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http://www.acdelco.com/html/pi_vehcare_lub.htm :

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Helps prevent friction and wear at the water pump seals. Is safe for rubber and metal parts.

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http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/html/ccr/ccr20010501rm.html :

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Various chemical additives are formulated to improve cooling-system performance while you drive. Rust inhibitors are designed to reduce oxidation and neutralize acids; many also include lubricants for the water pump and thermostat.

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http://www.racepages.com/parts/water_pump.html :

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Water Pump lubricant is sold in cans separate from antifreeze, and its a good idea to add a can between radiator flushes.

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http://www.car-stuff.com/nissanwaterpump.htm :

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You're also starving your Nissan water pump of lubrication. The Nissan water pump contains seals and bearings that are internally-lubricated, but that also get some additives from the coolant. When the coolant is worn out, the Nissan water pump lubricant is depleted. Your Nissan water pump is much more likely to wear out a seal or a bearing when the coolant isn't changed on a regular basis.

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http://autorepair.about.com/cs/faqs/l/bl744e.htm :

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SYMPTOM:
A humming or whining noise coming from the water pump.

Probable Cause:
Normal friction between water pump shaft and seal.

Corrective Action:
Add the water pump lubricant listed under Parts Information to the radiator coolant.

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[XS650]

If "Water pump lubricant" were correctly called "Water pump seal lubricant" we wouldn't be having this urinating contest.

Calling an additive that can only lubricate one seal in the water pump is a bit of advertising hyperbole designed to convince people that the additive lubricates their water pump.

True, the seal is part of the water pump assembly, so technically the additive does lubricate the water pump, but only one small part of it. It does nothing to lubricate the water pump bearings which have been sealed for decades.

 

[y_p_w]

Silicated coolant usually contains silicone which helps keep the silicates from "dropping out". Prestone used to call their product a "silicone-silicate" formula. I believe most coolants and some sealant/stop-leak products contain some silicone which partially serves as a water pump (seal) lubricant.

 

[y_p_w]

http://www.v8sho.com/SHO/waterpump.html

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3. Lubricate water pump inlet hose, outlet hoses and O-ring with Silicone Lubricant COAZ-19553-AA or D7AZ-19553-AA or equivalent meeting Ford specification ESR-M13P4-A. Install water pump inlet and outlet hoses onto water pump housing. Install water pump outlet hose spring clamp securely.

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