Taming a horse that packs a potent heave of performance inside that of an engine of a Saturn is a must. After all, it is needed to prevent such damages like engine overheating. Thus, the cooling system is there to remove excess heat form the engine, thereby keeping engine temperature at bay. Such condition would trigger increased power, torque and fuel economy.
An important element in driving off the heat in the engine compartment is the coolant. The one that transports this throughout the confines of the cooling system is the Saturn Water Pump. It is the centrifugal pump being driven by a belt connected to the crankshaft of the engine. From the radiator, the coolant is transported to the engine and back to the radiator itself. This is where the coolant with the heat is being cooled off through the radiator fan. It then dissipates through the air outside.
This water pump contains the shaft with a pulley at one end and a pump rotor at one end. As the belt spins the pulley, the rotor starts to circulate the coolant. Near the center of the pump is an inlet in order for the coolant returning from the radiator would hit the pump vanes. After which, it delivers the coolant outside the Saturn Water Pump, where it enters the engine.
It is the duty of the water pump to continuously serve its purpose to keep the engine at a safe and manageable temperature. If there is too much heat present at the engine bay, chances are, this could damage the involved parts. The seals separating different engine fluids would melt. Diluted oil will be inefficient for friction, while other delicate metal parts would warp from the extreme heat. If worse comes to worst, a failed would lead to a rather difficult process to replace it. First, the belt that drives the water pump must be removed, Also, the timing cover must be opened. It is then when access to the mounting bolts of the pump could then be possible. When the timing cover is off, check for the proper operation of the timing chain or belt.
From warped leaks to blown gaskets, the Saturn Water Pump can also be prone to leaks. Notice that refill becomes more frequent than the usual with a leakage. A "weep hole" is when there is a small hole drilled on the underside of the water pump. There is sit seeps past a bad seal, it drains out the weep hole. Replacement is a healthy remedy for such problem.
