Water pumps serve an important purpose on any car. The name “water pump” is a relic of a bygone era, because modern vehicles pump coolant through the engine to keep temperatures at low levels and prevent overheating.
As you can imagine, these parts can cause major issues when they malfunction. Some engine configurations can be problematic for water pump problems, such is the case with many models of the Mazda CX-9.
Our team has dealt with water pump issues and all other car problems over the years as one of the San Jose area’s top providers of auto services. In this article, we will discuss the way the Mazda CX-9’s water pump works, symptoms when it goes wrong, and how we can help fix it.
About the CX-9 Water Pump
The first generation of the Mazda CX-9 has an interesting configuration for the water pump. While most engine designs put the water pump outside of the engine itself, the CX-9’s water pump is located inside the block and it’s driven by the timing chain. This design was meant to increase efficiency and it has some perks, but it also can create major issues due to its location. Because it’s inside the engine block, when coolant leaks from the water pump it can mix directly with the engine oil. This causes the oil to lose its effectiveness, and can lead to major engine failure. In the sections to follow, we will discuss a few warning signs which can signify this issue is happening.
Coolant Loss with No Visible Leaks
If you have a warning light coming on for low coolant, but you don’t see any evidence of a leak, it’s likely the coolant is leaking into the engine oil. Mazda coolant is a dark blue/green color, so a leak would be fairly evident if you were to notice blue or green liquid on the ground under the vehicle or under the hood.
Engine Overheating
Coolant is in place to keep the car from overheating, so if it’s leaking then you can expect the car to run hot. If your temperature gauge is rising or you see a heat warning, a coolant leak can be to blame.
Oil Warning Lights
Because coolant can break down oil and cause it to lose its effectiveness, you are likely to see a low oil pressure light. If the coolant has fully mixed with the oil, it can no longer lubricate the engine and the vehicle will notice the oil pressure isn’t sufficient.
Changes In Oil Appearance and Consistency
If you notice any of the symptoms above and want to check to see if your CX-9 has a coolant leak which is infiltrating the engine oil, it’s fairly easy to check. Remove the dipstick and check the appearance of the oil or look under the oil cap. If you see a frothy texture or notice the oil has a more creamy appearance than it should, you likely have a coolant leak.
We have worked on many CX-9s over the years, and if you’re having a coolant issue we can help. To ask specific questions about your vehicle or schedule an appointment, give us a call today.
