Water pump 320/04542 JCB 444, aftermarket

Water pump 320/04542 is an aftermarket part for the machines with the JCB Dieselmax 444 engine.

The water pump circulates coolant through the engine block, cylinder head, radiator and oil cooler. It is driven by a belt or gear from the crankshaft, and the impeller inside pushes the coolant round the system under pressure. If the pump stops, the coolant stops moving and the engine overheats within minutes, blowing the head gasket and possibly warping the head. The first signs of pump failure are coolant seeping from the weep hole in the body, a whine from the bearing and play in the shaft. A leak means the mechanical seal has worn and warns that the bearing will soon fail too. A few drops from the weep hole at first can be normal, but a steady leak means the pump needs replacing.

Specifications

Compatibility

According to the product card, 320/04542 is a water pump. The card also lists 320/A4904, 320/B4744. Fit is confirmed by the part number. The catalogue also has the genuine version of this part. Other parts are in Water pumps.

Fitting

Before the change, let the engine cool and drain the coolant into a suitable container. Slacken and remove the belt and undo the pump bolts. Clean the mating faces, fit the new pump with a new gasket or O-ring and tighten the bolts in a cross pattern to the specified torque. Refit the belt and set its tension, fill the system with the correct antifreeze and bleed it. Run the engine and check for leaks and temperature. Recheck the belt tension after the first run.