Today’s Symptoms:

This Daihatsu Water Pump problem for a 1990 model vehicle with a 1.0L engine was emailed to me last night. Problem was the owner replaced his engine a week ago because he saw oil in his engine coolant. The color was milky as a result of emulsion. After replacing the engine from the salvage yard, it ran good for like another 150 kms.  and guess what? The milky oil in the engine coolant came back?

Diagnostics for Daihatsu Water Pump:

The 1990 Daihatsu cars came with 3 cylinder engines with the water pump located on the front timing cover. This means, it is driven by the camshaft timing belt. Problem is when it leaks, there is no way sometimes to see it. And there is also the possibility that the coolant being leaked by the water pump could end up at the bottom of the engine crankcase. So with the coolant mixed with engine oil and the crankshaft trying to steer the crankcase oil, it is easy to get that milky oil formation seen on the dipstick.

If you are not aware about this, it is very easy to point a finger at the cylinder head or cylinder head gasket. This can be verified if the car has a history of overheating but if the car runs normally, the water pump is the normal culprit. Lots of people has been victimized by this water pump problem and this why it is important to know the right information.

Replacing the Daihatsu Water Pump:

To replace the water pump, drain first the coolant of the engine by making sure the engine has fully cooled down. Then the front timing cover, engine valve cover can be removed to access the water pump and timing belt. I remember some bolts for the oil pan has to be loosen too. Remember to put a new set of water pump and timing belt parts.

Note on Daihatsu Water Pump replacement:

Every time, the timing belt is replaced, the timing marks for the camshaft and crankshaft gear must be aligned properly. ATS will provide the exact instructions when you are doing this if you are a member.

There is also a case wherein the engine milky oil can be seen at your radiator cap opening. If this is the symptom, that is completely a different problem. This is definitely not a water pump problem but attributed to engine failure, radiator or transmission cooler if the car has an automatic transmission.

Always get a licensed mechanic online to assist you in replacing this water pump. Failure to do so can damage your engine like vent crankshaft or push rods (if applicable).

There is no fix on this Daihatsu Water Pump yet because I am still waiting for the ATS customer confirmation of the fix.

Thanks,

Richard