Is there a quick, sure-fire way to verify that your water pump is working?

I've got new belts on... but something is squealing like a pig back there.
Also, my exhaust manifold glows a cherry red. (related to another issue?)

Just repaired a huge vacuum leak on the egr tube, completed a tune-up, and rebuilt the distributor yesterday. Reset timing.
Cooling system has been flushed and a new heater core installed, heat works great.
System has been burped several times. New IAC switch.
Car is running good.

1986 SE V6

If your heater is working great it would seem to be flowing coolant properly. You can also feel the hoses coming off the radiator. I wouldn't remove the cap off the thermostat filler neck though as coolant will spray out when the engine is revved.

Squealing might be the alternator belt. Especially if you got some coolant on it.

Well, you could always take the thermostat housing cap off, remove the thermostat, and then start the car. Might make a mess, but it should be obvious if the pump is moving coolant or not.

The alternator is a common source of belt squeal on the V6.

See if both the upper and lower main radiator hoses are hot. If its warmed up and one is hot and other is cold, its not circulating. That could also be due to complete radiator blockage, but that would be very unlikely.

quote Originally posted by VIPRE: Also, my exhaust manifold glows a cherry red. (related to another issue?) rebuilt the distributor yesterday. Reset timing.

Retarded (late) timing is the common cause of glowing exhaust (either that or high speed Autobahn runs). I'd double check the timing and make sure the crank damper ring hasn't slipped. You did remember to disconnect the wire to have the computer remove the timing advance?

[This message has been edited by BluEyes (edited 11-18-2008).]

quote Originally posted by VIPRE: Is there a quick, sure-fire way to verify that your water pump is working? I've got new belts on... but something is squealing like a pig back there. Also, my exhaust manifold glows a cherry red. (related to another issue?) Just repaired a huge vacuum leak on the egr tube, completed a tune-up, and rebuilt the distributor yesterday. Reset timing. Cooling system has been flushed and a new heater core installed, heat works great. System has been burped several times. New IAC switch. Car is running good. 1986 SE V6

Are the manifolds still glowing since you fixed the EGR leak?

I fixed the very large EGR leak, replaced the pick-up coil, reset the timing and replaced a non-functional temperature sensor.

The glow is gone. That seems to have fixed it.
I drove it tonight and the exhaust had a slight glow when the car was warming up but once it warmed up the glow was completely gone.
Starts up strong, no idle issues anymore. No more surging! You can start it up and walk away... come back 15 minutes later and it is still purring away.

Sounds like your w/p is working. If it weren't the car would over heat in short time i would think.
Good Luck
Gary
P.S. the belt squealing is mostly the a/c if so equiped.

[This message has been edited by GKDINC (edited 11-19-2008).]

There is a 1 cm diameter tube that leads to it... losen it and place a long screwdriver inside. Turn the car on, if the waterpump is working, than the rotor inside the waterpump will rotate causing the screwdriver which you stuck in it to move vigorously.

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