# This HAS to be the water pump, right? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** bmw, 328\ **Created:** [June 24, 2020, 3:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271 "2020-06-24T03:54:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![darth\_tater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bb73d2/32.png) [@darth\_tater](https://community.cartalk.com/u/darth_tater)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 3:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/1 "2020-06-24T03:54:28Z")
Some overheating problems, so 1. I removed the thermostat from the cooling system (and put everything back) 2. I decoupled one end of the top radiator hose I turn the engine on, but no water flows out. This HAS to be the water pump, right? ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 4:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/2 "2020-06-24T04:40:33Z")
Could be a bad thermostat, start simple and work your way up. What are your issues? ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 4:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/3 "2020-06-24T04:50:24Z")
> [@darth\_tater](#): > > I turn the engine on, but no water flows out. This HAS to be the water pump, right? This depends on the system, if your vehicle has an electric water pump, should it be switched on when the engine is cold? ---
**Author:** ![asemaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@asemaster](https://community.cartalk.com/u/asemaster)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 5:02am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/4 "2020-06-24T05:02:01Z")
Depends. The water pump may not run until the engine is warmed up. ---
**Author:** ![darth\_tater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bb73d2/32.png) [@darth\_tater](https://community.cartalk.com/u/darth_tater)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 5:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/5 "2020-06-24T05:46:03Z")
Barkydog, I removed the thermostat ---
**Author:** ![darth\_tater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bb73d2/32.png) [@darth\_tater](https://community.cartalk.com/u/darth_tater)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 5:46am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/6 "2020-06-24T05:46:40Z")
Nevada, Ase, it’s a pully driven pump ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 5:50am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/7 "2020-06-24T05:50:14Z")
Misunderstood, when you said put everything back, assumed thermostat. So now your thermostat is gone and you are getting no flow? ---
**Author:** ![darth\_tater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bb73d2/32.png) [@darth\_tater](https://community.cartalk.com/u/darth_tater)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2020, 6:05am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/this-has-to-be-the-water-pump-right/166271/8 "2020-06-24T06:05:00Z")
Yeah. Also connected the hose back and warmed it up. I noticed the lower radiator hose was ambient temperature, while the upper hose was hot. I drove it around though and when I came home, finally the lower hose was hot, so I guess there is flow. Odd, since from what I have seen, the pump doesn’t have a clutch or anything. So anyway, I guess everything works as it should. Just need the gasket replaced since I have a leak (I’ve posted about this.) Thanks to all of you guys.