Every diesel truck uses a water pump, or coolant pump, to move coolant throughout the engine. The coolant is used to lower the temperature of the exhaust gas to prevent the engine from overheating. But the coolant cannot spread throughout the engine without a working diesel engine truck water pump. The pump applies pressure to the coolant to send it throughout the engine’s coolant system. 

Diesel water pumps can either be mechanical or electronic. The former is a centrifugal pump containing an impeller inside a metal housing. The pump is powered by a belt either from the crank or the cam, and the pump’s impeller forces the liquid out of the pump. As the coolant is released, more fluid is brought in. Electronic water pumps are controlled by the engine control unit, which controls the amount and flow of fluid based on the temperature of the exhaust. Mechanical diesel water pumps run continuously with the engine, while electronic pumps only run when necessary, which helps improve engine performance. 

Diesel water pumps are subject to fail over time and may need to be replaced every 100,000 miles or less, depending on your driving habits. They can become corroded or detached from the coolant housing. Damaged or faulty pumps will start to “weep” due to leaks and poor seals. This is when the coolant is slowly leaking out the bottom. You must replace the pump as soon as problems start to arise to ensure your vehicle has enough coolant to keep the engine cool.

We sell a wide range of replacement diesel truck water pumps at Bostech Auto. Find the correct make and model for your truck.