About RV Water Pumps

The heart and soul of an RV's cooling system, a water pump is responsible for pressurizing water/coolant and speeding it through an RV's engine and radiator, enabling the maintenance of a proper engine operating temperature. Although very basic in design and function, an RV's water pump is extremely important to the overall functionality of an Rv's engine.

Function

A water pump in an RV is simply a mechanically-driven pump designed to pressurize engine water/coolant and propel it through the entire engine cooling system into the engine. An RV water pump works the same way as water pumps in other types of vehicles. The main difference between a water pump in an RV and a water pump in a smaller vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck) is size. Due to the increased engine size and radiator size of an RV, an RV water pump is larger and more powerful than water pumps used in smaller vehicles.

Significance

An RV water pump is a very critical component of the engine cooling system, which includes the water pump, radiator, thermostat and radiator hoses and engine coolant passageways. Responsible for generating the force needed to pump engine water/coolant throughout the entire engine and cooling system, an RV water pump is the heart of the engine coolant system. It is very basic in design: a simple fan-like rotor surrounded by a metal casing attached to a metal pulley. But an RV water pump allows for maximum coolant system performance. Any defect in its operation can cause tremendous problems for not only the coolant system but also for the engine.

Geography

Located between the front of the engine and the rear portion of the radiator, an RV water pump is attached directly to the engine. Normally, two long, threaded bolts are used to secure the water pump to the engine block. On its front surface, an RV water pump has a small, round pulley attached. This pulley is responsible for providing a tight, even surface for which the water pump drive belt (providing the mechanical means for spinning the water pump) attaches. This drive belt normally attaches to, and operates, other engine components such as the alternator and/or power steering pump.

Warning

RV water pumps, as can water pumps in all other types of vehicles, can sometimes fail and/or wear out. Normally, the first sign of a faulty water pump is noise. Small bearings, which allow the water pump to spin freely, located directly inside the water pump can start to rattle and grind. This normally starts out mild but quickly becomes a loud, very distinguishable sound. The only repair for this type of situation is to replace the water pump entirely. RV water pumps can also develop leaks and allow circulating engine coolant and/or water to leak out of the water pump onto the ground underneath the vehicle. If undetected, this can quickly cause overheating and engine/coolant system damage. As is the case with a noisy water pump, complete removal and replacement of the water pump is needed.

Benefits

The proper function of an RV water pump allows for a decrease in operating engine temperature, a condition that prolongs engine life. As an RV's engine is operated, a constant supply of circulating engine coolant is needed to maintain optimum performance. A weak or faulty water pump, one that is either leaking or not pumping adequately, reduces the circulation of engine coolant/water and allows for excess heat to build up within the engine and radiator, both of which increase engine and cooling system wear and reduces their operational lifespan.