I brought my car from the US to Switzerland. It has continually run hotter and hotter over the past few months. First it was one line over the middle line on the temperature gauge, then it was the next for a few months, and then the next, then the light was on the first time. It also makes a funny noise like a golf cart, an electrical noise when I give it gas. I think it's one of the water pumps. Are there two?

The mechanic said that the timing belt has to be taken off to replace the pump, and it's at least 4 hours of work plus parts. Is this correct? If I want to order the pump online where should I order it from since I am guessing it might be expensive in Switzerland. THANKS! Please write! We are 9 hours ahead of the West Coast.

 

the coolant temp sensors fail pretty regularly, they are a $20 USD part so you might just want to replace it first just to rule it out.

yes the timing belt has to be removed with the water pump which is why if you are replacing either the timing belt or water pump, you always do the other as well. there is only one water pump. 4 hours of labor would be a low estimate, normally they charge 6-8 hours.

the noise you hear could be the turbo (if its a 1.8t) not getting enough water pressure and overheating, would you say it sounds like a dentist's drill? it could also be the water pump pully bearings failing.

blauparts.com or ecstuning.com has some good timing belt/water pump kits, not sure if they ship internationally.

 

yes sounds like a dentist's drill. It is a V6 2.8. No turbo. Last year I had the temperature sensor changed, and it still was the same. Showed one bar too many. Now it's too bars too many. So does that mean that I have to get some bearings replaced too? thanks!

 

If you need a full timing belt kit that includes the water pump let me know, I can get it for you and ship it USPS in a flat rate box. I would need to know what year of the car.