Heater loss hassle
This 2005 Ford Transit Connect diesel had come to us because the owner was getting no heat from the heating system. Our first inspection revealed that the coolant header tank was empty, due to a leak. Thinking the problem had been solved, we took the van for a road test, only for the temperature gauge to slowly rise to a dangerous level. Allowing the engine to cool, we returned to the workshop.
Further inspection revealed a very hot top hose but only a moderately cool bottom hose, suggesting lack of coolant flow. This may have been due to the thermostat, but this was discounted after removing and testing it.
That left the water pump, which although not driven by the cambelt, is located behind it and requires its removal. The owner gave us the go-ahead to replace the water pump, timing belt and tensioner. When the old pump was removed, our suspicions were confirmed when we discovered the impeller was spinning freely on its shaft.