Water pump

[campman]

In my 79 Minuet the water pump worked ok, then all of a sudden it made a bunch of grinding noises (water was in the tank, so it could have pumped), and now does not turn on at all. Any ideas or tips from those who have worked on them would be welcome. Could it be the filter? A fuse? or I hope not the Pump itself? Thanks, Dan

[DEITZ645]

Dan,
If it is the original water pump, it may be kaput. You mentioned the fact that it made some grinding noises before it ceased operations. Grinding noises are rarely a good noise in anything mechanical.

I would first look for an in-line fuse and see if it is blown. If the fuse is ok and there is current to the pump (when the switch is on) I would disconnect it, remove it, and start disassembling it. It may have seized up and stripped some gears.

There may be a rebuild kit for it, or it may be time to replace it.