Is my water pump broke?
 

Hi, this is my first post so be gentle. I have just bought a 95 STI and think the water pump is gone. I fired the car up for a few minutes to warm up and the pipes from the water pump and all the radiator pipes are cold. I took the cap off the header tank and the water was hot and was being pushed out. I dont know if this was head gasket or pump or a blockage in system. Any suggestions please. Im desperate to get it back on road. Thanks.

Could be a blickage, but more likely an air-lick. Or even an air lock;)

Drain it and refill. Do a search on here for how to refill it and GO SLOWLY. There is NO known way to bleeed the cooling system of a Scoob, so you have to fill it right.

Thanks. So would you say this isnt head gasket related in your experience? Thanks

Not unless the oil is contaminated or vice versa.... Have u ever changed coolant or previous owner?? Emptying the coolant system an radiator is a good idea ad it can pick up crap. More likely it's an airlock

The oil or water dont have to be contaminated for it to be a head gasket. Pull the small return pipe off the radiator that leads back to the expansion tank. Its best to take it off the expansion tank end. with the engine running it should be circulating back into the tank. If it isnt try sucking the pipe. You will be able to tell if it feels solid (therefore blocked) or if you pull some water through (therefore either pump/air lock or HG.)

If you suspect Head gasket then a simple sniff test would give you the answer. Its only £10 and worth every penny!

Thanks for the info guys, drained the full system today and refilled slowly, was a bit of a nightmare squeezing plenty of pipes etc, but got there in the end and it has worked. The car runs great now. Thanks.

And we have a winner........

But DO keep an eye on the temperature/oil/water for the next few 1000 miles, OK?

Many thanks again! Yes i will keep an eye on it. The temperature is great and the fans and thermostat are working great. Fingers crossed!