sorry it took so long to reply guys ....I been busy working 16 hour days and my 2nd car, 1990 Mustang 5.0, the fuel pump went. What a week!

I got my HHR back $1000 later...we didn't replace the water pump because it seemed to be good, moving freely. I saw the parts and here's what we think happened. The guides, which I think are nylon or plastic, a piece broke off and jammed in the chain that runs the water pump and balancer..which in turned snapped the chain. There is another chain in there that is the timming chain, which explains why the car was still running. As far as the damage to other parts...there wasn't any. He said when he opened it up the chain was just laying at the bottom of the case. I might have had a little luck on my side there.

parts replaced
1 Timming chain
2 water pump chain
3 tensioner
4 water pump sprocket
5 guides
6 oil
7 gasket

 

Didn't replace the water pump because on the 2.0 turbo it is another 4 hours of labor

 

Oh wow - yeah it sounds like luck was on your side. It sure could have been a lot worse. Still, $1100 is a bit of a shock. Yours is the first on this forum I think, with that extent of damage due to guides/tensioners failing.

Well, I am glad to hear you got it back.

 

Ok, but what about the engine temperature with the new water pump chain?

Did the mechanic explain why the engine did not immediately overheat without the water pump operating?

 

I would guess that with the water pump actually turning now (and pumping water), that the temperature is okay.

 

Why guess when the OP is here to tell us?

 

The engine Temp now is around 197-205, didn't ask about that.

 

How does that compare with engine temperature before overheating issue began?

 

Yes, it's the same. I looked today driving into, work all highway, and it stayed at 194.

 

Good job.

This one is for the history books.

It just goes to show the wisdom of being methodical and empirical with cars.