Trouble Starting after new Water pump

GreeBo

Hey all,
I got my car back yesterday after getting a new water pump fitted ('98 1.8 Avensis)
This morning the car would start for a good 10 mins, it turned over every time but no action.
Eventually it did start but was idling very low and any time I gassed it it cut out.
I spent a good 5 mins (after it restarted) very slowly increasing the gas and managed to get it to the point where I could accelerate normally.
Ten took it for a spin in the estate before hitting the M50 in rush hour traffic and it was fine.

All thats changed is the water pump, any ideas?

spiggotpaddy

it sound like it could be an electrical fault, maybe a loose ht lead or a coil on the way out. get it back to whoever did the pump its prolly somthing simp.

Nissan doctor

Possibly left something disconnected by mistake?

Have you checked the coolant level?

GreeBo

Coolant is fine (and the temp gauge hovers in the middle rather than jumping from dead to over heating)
Also there is no puddle under the car anymore

If something was left disconnected wouldnt the car refuse to start for good?

Nissan doctor

GreeBo wrote: »

Coolant is fine (and the temp gauge hovers in the middle rather than jumping from dead to over heating)
Also there is no puddle under the car anymore

If something was left disconnected wouldnt the car refuse to start for good?

If it was overheating due to the water pump leaking, has the head been checked?

GreeBo

Turns out I left out a vital piece of the puzzle, the switch (and/or the thermostat) are a bit dodgy and are not turning the fans on early enough so the mechanic disconnected them so the fans are always on.

As soon as I reconnect this it starts first time, so I can then disconnect it and all is well.

Any ideas what the engine is looking for from this switch before it will start?

Thanks all!

trad

I had the very same problem with a 98 Avensis 1.8. Mechanic could never get to the bottom of it. I fitted an on/off switch and kept an eye on the temperature gauge. You'd be surprised how little you need a fan. Mine had got a timing belt and pump just before I got it.

spiggotpaddy

it sounds like you need a new temperature sender switch, why did your mechanic give it back knowing its not right?
lucky your starter is ok or he might have given you a loan of a starter handle.

dharn

not familiar with avensis but the first thing i thought of was could the timing have been altered does the timing belt have to be removed to do the pump

dharn

dharn wrote: »

not familiar with avensis but the first thing i thought of was could the timing have been altered does the timing belt have to be removed to do the pump

It wouldn't run normally if that was the case.

dharn

you are right james, didnt read the full story first, it is odd that it runs once revs can be gotten up, sounds like temperature sensor somewhere

GreeBo

spiggotpaddy wrote: »

it sounds like you need a new temperature sender switch, why did your mechanic give it back knowing its not right?
lucky your starter is ok or he might have given you a loan of a starter handle.

Yep thats the one I reckon.
He did tell me that he had disconnected it, but he wasnt aware that it would prevent it starting (it started leaving the garage)
He is waiting on a switch as only main dealers stock them it appears.

/edit
Just bought one from the UK for £20 shipped so will fit that when it arrives and fingers crossed!