Bad water pump O-ring?

[TheChamp359]

Would a bad water pump o ring on a 1990 TSI give the symtpoms of a bad head gasket? I bought the car under the impression it needed a head gasket but taking a closer look its obvious the o ring on the water pump is bad.

 

[steve]

Describe what you think are symptoms of a bad head gasket?

The only thing a bad water pump o-ring and a bad head gasket have in common that I know of would be coolant loss and perhaps a failure when pressure testing the cooling system.

What sort of problem is the car having?

 

[dsmpat95]

Describe what you think are symptoms of a bad head gasket?

The only thing a bad water pump o-ring and a bad head gasket have in common that I know of would be coolant loss and perhaps a failure when pressure testing the cooling system.

What sort of problem is the car having?

He is correct^, mine just had a massive coolant loss when the engine was up to temp.

 

[steve]

I should add that I make a point of cleaning any corrosion to the water pipe close attention to where the o-ring goes to make sure the pipe is smooth and clean before putting the new o-ring on when I change the pump. No RTV or anything but the recommended coolant to lube or seal the the o-ring.

The 6G72 has an o-ring seal like this on both ends of the water pipe and I bought my 94 Stealth RT cheap because the thermostat side leaked and caused the car to blow coolant and overheat. That can look like a blown head gasket which is why the dealer sold it cheap when I pointed out the overheating problem.

So if your problem with the car is something like this then yes it can cause people to misdiagnose as a bad headgasket.